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GIFT  or 

A*    F,    Morrison 


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0r$]i$. 


BY 

FRANK   TOWNEND   BARTON, 

First- Class  Eonorman  Royal  College  of  Vetermary 

Surgeons  ;  Special  Distinction  iyi  Pathology 

and  Morbid  Anatomy,  dec.  ,*  Author  of 

*  Every  Lay  Ailments  of  Poultry* 


Net'j  York : 
BRENTANO'S. 

1900. 


/3  I 


GIFT  OP 


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THE 

AILMENTS    OF    HORSES. 


Abscess. — This  is  an  accumulation  of 
matter,  either  pus-like  or  watery  in  cha- 
racter, whilst  its  formation  is.  the  result 
of  a  direct  or  indirect  injury;  less  fre- 
quently through  blood-poisoning,  in  which 
case  the  formation  of  matter  commonly 
takes  place  both  internally  and  externally, 
bringing  about  grave  constitutional  dis- 
turbance. The  collection  of  matter  form- 
ing under  the  jaw  during  the  ordinary 
form  of  strangles  is  simply  an  abscess, 
and  requires  but  the  treatment  prescribed 
for  any  other  boil.  In  the  last-named 
disease  we  believe  that  it  is  of  a  specific 
nature. 

Very  large  abscesses  are  quite  common 
in  the  horse. 

The  point  of  the  shoulder  is  not  an 
uncommon  place  for  an  abscess  to  make 
its  appearance,  especially  in  colts. 

An  abscess  in  connexion  with  the  brain 
or  heart  is  most  certainly  fatal. 

Symptoms. — A  gradual  increase  in  size 
(if  externally),  accompanied  by  heat,  ten- 
derness, and,  in  the  later  stages,  a  throb- 
bing sensation  imparted  to  the  finger  when 
placed  over  the  seat  of  disease.    Later  on, 

M92348 


6  The  Ailme'iits  of  Horses. 

the  i^kiu  ''  pits  "  Oil  pressure,  and  takes  on 
a  soddened  feel  bcnep.th. 

Internal  abscesses  give  rise  to  pain  and 
exhaustion.  When  about  the  brain  the 
horse  presses  its  head  against  the  wall, 
manger,  &c. 

A  watery  (serous)  abscess  is  well  seen 
during  the  outset  of  poll-evil  and  fistulous 
withers.  Such  may  appear  upon  any  part 
of  the  body. 

Treatment. — Warm  fomentations,  and 
when  the  abscess  is  mature,  cut  it  open 
at  the  lowest  part,  so  that  the  matter  will 
drain  freely  away. 

Keep  the  wound  open  for  a  few  days 
by  the  insertion  of  a  bit  of  tow,  and  wash 
the  sac  out  with  a  little  weak  antiseptic 
solution.  The  wound  can  now  be  allowed 
to  heal  itself,  of  course  after  the  removal 
of  the  tow. 

A  serous  abscess  does  not  require,  unless 
at  the  poll  or  withers,  any  fomenting.  Its 
contents  must  be  given  free  exit  through 
the  use  of  the  knife. 

During  strangles  good  and  extra  food 
is  called  for. 

House  the  animals. 

Amaurosis,  or  glass-eye. — As  the  name 
implies,  the  eye  or  eyes  assume  a  glassy 
appearance. 

It  is  the  result  of  paralysis  of  the  nerve 
or  nerves  of  sight.  It  may  be  temporary 
or  permanent. 

Angle-berries.     See  Warts. 

Anus,  protrusion  of. — This  is  not  an 
uncommon  accident.  It  is  denoted  by  the 
protrusion  of  the  red  membrane  of  the 


The  Ailments  of  H(yrses.  7 

anus,  forming  a  tumour  under  the  root  of 
the  tail.  Dry  food  and  severe  straining 
act  as  excitants  towards  its  production. 
It  may  become  strangulated,  and  then  it 
assumes  a  blackish  appearance. 

Treatment. — Cleanse  the  part,  then  try 
and  return  it,  subsequently  smearing  with 
gallic  acid  ointment.  Soft  food  must  be 
the  order. 

X.B. — The  protrusion  must  not  be 
mistaken  for  a  polypoid  (stalked) 
tumour. 

Anthrax. — This  is  a  germ  disease,  being- 
caused  by  an  organism  circulating  in  the 
blood. 

The  germ  is  known  as  the  Anthrax 
Bacterium  {jjL  Bacteria).  It  is  extremely 
minute  in  size,  requiring  high  powers  of 
the  microscope  for  the  demonstration  of 
the  same. 

In  shape  it  is  like  ,that  of  a  short  rod, 
with  square  or  notched  ends. 

Its  methods  of  multiplication  are  by 
the  rod  breaking  across  (transverse  fission), 
or  else  by  forming  spores  in  the  interior 
of  the  chain-like  length.  The  latter 
usually  happens  outside  the  body.  These 
organisms  give  rise  to  deadly  excretions, 
which  cause,  as  a  rule,  the  rapid  death  of 
their  host. 

In  the  horse  anthrax  is  not  at  all  com- 
mon in  this  country,  but  either  the  same, 
or  another  disease  very  closely  allied  to  it, 
is  common  at  the  Cape,  where  ,it  bears  the 
name  "  Cape  Horse  Sickness. '  A  horse 
which  has  been  fortunate  enough  to  re- 
cover  from   this    malady   is    known    as 

A  2 


8  The  Ailments  of  Horses, 

"  salted,"   /.  e.,  proof  against  the  disease 
(acquired  immunity). 

Outbreaks  of  anthrax  in  the  horse  hap- 
pen now  and  again,  though  chiefly  in  the 
fen -lands  of  Norfolk  and  Lincoln. 

In  cattle  the  disease  is  known  as  splenic 
apoplexy,  and  in  them  it  is  fairly  common. 
The  horse  may  get  it  from  these  animals, 
so  may  the  human  subject,  dog,  sheep, 
pig,  rodents,  &c. 

In  dealing  with  anthrax-stricken  ani- 
mals^ — -living  or  dead — the  utmost  pre- 
cautions have  to  be  taken  to  guard  against 
inoculation,  as  the  disease  is  usually  fatal 
to  man,  though  not  to  the  dog,  fowl,  &c. 

In  acute  anthrax  the  animal  may  be 
seized  whilst  at  work,  succumbing  to  the 
attack  within  an  hour  or  so. 

Trembling  from  head  to  foot,  violent 
pain  in  the  belly  and  quick  breathing, 
along  with  a  small  pulse,  are  the  symp- 
toms of  most  importance.  The  body 
rapidly  decomposes  after  death.  The 
diagnosis  must  rest  upon  the  finding  of 
the  germs,  for  which  w^ork  an  expert 
microscopist  is  required. 

Swelling  of  the  head  and  tongue  is 
commonly  seen  when  the  disease  takes  a 
slower  course. 

If  suspected  report  the  matter  at  once 
to  the  nearest  local  authority. 

Arsenic  poisoning.  —  Some  horse- 
keepers  have  got  into  the  pernicious  habit 
of  giving  white  arsenic  (arsenious  aeid)  to 
their  horses  about  once  a  week,  in  the 
form  of  a  powder,  along  with  the  anim.als' 
food. 


The  Ailments  of  Horses.  9 

The  average  dose  of  this  poisonous  drug 
is  3  grains,  but  these  foolish  fellows  often 
give  twenty  times  this  amount.  Con- 
tinued for  a  long  time,  the  "  tolerance  " 
of  the  drug  enables  the  animal  (like 
arsenic  and  opium  eaters)  to  stand  big 
doses,  but  as  arsenic  tends  to  accumulate 
in  the  cells  of  the  liver,  a  fatal  attack  of 
arsenic  poisoning  (acute  inflammation  of 
the  stomach  and  bowels)  may  happen  at 
any  moment,  the  blood-stream  having 
swept  the  drug  into  the  circulation. 

As  a  rule  the  proprietor  is  at  a  loss  to 
account  for  this  sudden  onset  of  disease, 
and  the  horsekeeper  is  not  going  to 
willingly  sacrifice  his  situation,  and 
perhaps  incur  criminal  prosecution,  if  he 
can  possibly  avoid  confession. 

Analytical  and  veterinary  experience 
may  subsequently  compel  him  to  do  so, 
or  the  plea  may  be  established  perhaps 
without  voluntary  statements  on  his  part. 

Grrooms  ought  to  be  made  aware  of  the 
consequences  of  drugging  their  horses 
without  consulting  their  master. 

Symptoms. — A'iolent  pain  in  the  belly  ; 
purging  or  dysentery ;  straining  ;  quick 
small  pulse  and  shallow  breathing  ;  sweat- 
ing, redness  of  the  eyes,  and  thirst. 

Treatment. — This  must  be  left  in 
the  hands  of  a  duly  qualified  veterinary 
surgeon.  The  proper  antidote  is  peroxide 
of  iron,  and  morphia  to  calm  the  pain. 

Azoturia. — This  has  been  commonly 
termed  nitrogenous  urine,  because  it  was 
thought  the  nitrogenous  constituents  of 
this  liquid  excretion  were  largely  increased. 


10  The  Ailments  of  Horses. 

The  disease  comes  on  very  suddenly, 
usually  showing  itself  after  the  horse  has 
been  idle  for  a  day  or  so,  and  then  not 
until,  as  a  rule,  the  animal  comes  out  of 
the  stable.  It  may  be  that  it  has  only 
travelled  a  few  yards. 

Symptoms. — Partial  or  comjAete  loss 
of  control  over  the  movements.  Some- 
times the  animal  falls  before  it  can  be  got 
home. 

The  muscles  of  the  haunch  feel  as  hard 
as  wood,  and  the  animal  is  unable  to  rise. 

The  most  important  indicator  of 
azoturia  is,  however,  the  colour  of  the 
urine.  It  soon  becomes  like  coffee 
infusion  without  the  milk. 

A  large  number  of  horses  die  from  this 
disease,  especially  when  down.  Recoveries 
are  also  frequent. 

Treatment. — Dose  of  purgative  medi- 
cine, and  a  clyster  or  two  to  assist  the 
action  of  the  purgative. 

Stimulate  the  spine.  Clothe  the  body, 
and  keep  a  dry  bed  for  the  animal  to  lie 
on. 

Veterinary  aid  is  essential,  because  it 
is  advisable  to  draw  off  the  urine,  and 
perhaps  wash  out  the  bladder. 

Further,  skilful  treatment  is  very  im- 
portant in  a  malady  so  quickly  fatal. 

B 

Back,  broken. — The  back  may  be  broken 
either  through  a  fall,  the  fall  of  a  heavy 
w^eight  upon  it,  or  during  struggling, 
when  the  animal  is  cast  in  its  stall. 
Disease  of  the  bones  predisposes  towards 


The  Ailments  of  Horses.  11 

the  occnrrence  of  broken  back.    Paralysis, 
behind  the  seat  of  breakage,  results. 

Bladder,  inflammation  of. — Inflam- 
mation of  the  bladder  is  not  a  common 
affection  by  any  means. 

The  cause,  symptoms,  and  treatment 
are  matters  for  the  skill  of  the  veterinary 
surgeon. 

Bladder,  stone  within. — Calculi  fre- 
quently occur  in  the  bladder  of  both  the 
mare  and  the  horse.  Such  may  or  may 
not  be  formed  in  this  situation.  If  the 
calculus  is  a  small  one,  it  is  quite  pos- 
sible for  it  to  be  expelled  during  the  act 
of  urination. 

The  flow  of  urine  may  be  either  im- 
peded or  completely  stopped,  through 
stone  blocking  the  outlet  of  the  blad- 
der, or  lodging  in  some  portion  of  the 
passage. 

Eemoval  of  the  stone  or  stones  can  be 
effected  by  operation  (lithotomy). 
Blood-spavin.     See  Spavin. 
Bog-spavin.     See  Spavin. 
Bone-spavin.     See  Spavin. 
Bot-fly.— This  fly  is  about  during  the 
months  of  May,  June,  July,  and  August. 
It  deposits  its  egg  upon  the  hairs  of  the 
horse,  especially  about  the  knees,  anus, 
shoulders,  &c. 

By  some  not  very  well-understood 
means  the  larval  stage  of  the  fly  gains  an 
entry  into  the  horse's  stomach,  and  barrel- 
shaped  larvae  attach  themselves  to  the 
gullet  end  of  the  stomach  lining. 

In  the  following  spring  these  let  go 
their  hold,  and  pass  out  with  the  dung. 


12  The  Ailments  of  Horses. 

After  a  period  of  quiescence  on  tlie 
ground  a  full-blown  fly  emerges,  ready 
to  repeat  perpetuation  of  the  species. 

The  horse  thus  serves  as  an  "  inter- 
mediate "  bearer. 

Bowels,  inflammation  of. — This  is,  we 
regret  to  say,  of  too  common  occurrence 
in  the  horse.  It  is  denoted  by  continuous 
IDain,  a  hard,  small,  thready  pulse,  anxious 
expansion  of  countenance,  dilated  pupils, 
cold  sweats,  and  general  coldness  of  the 
body. 

Eising,  rolling,  and  kicking  with  pain 
are  ever  constant  symptoms. 

The  covering  of  the  bowels  very  often 
participates  in  the  inflammation. 

So  far  as  we  are  aw^are  it  is  always 
fatal,  death  occurring  within  24  hours,  or 
thereabout,  from  the  onset  of  the  pain. 
A  common  cause  is  that  of  parasites 
(w^orms),  but  "  twist  of  the  bowel,"  and 
"  telescoping"  of  it,  are  frequently  found 
after  death. 

It  has  been  seen  in  anthrax,  and  through 
the  ingestion  of  vegetable  and  mineral 
poisons. 

Bruises. — These  can  be  treated  by  the 
application  of  cooling  lotions,  or  a  plaster 
of  fuller's  earth,  &c. 

Brushing. — This  is  caused  "by  striking 
the  opposite  limb  with  the  inner  side  of 
the  shoe. 

The  horse  may  fall  through  the  pain 
inflicted. 

Keep  the  foot  narrow  on  the  inner  side, 
or  use  a  three-quarter  shoe.  A  boot  can 
be  put  on. 


The  Ailments  of  Horses.  13 

Bronchitis. — Inflammation  of  the  bron- 
chial tubes  is  not  uncommon  ;  in  fact  it 
often  happens  in  influenza,  though  it  does 
occur  apart  from  this.  It  is  either 
"  acute  "  or  "  chronic."  The  former  often 
ends  in  the  latter,  whilst  there  is  always 
an  inclination — under  the  slightest  provo- 
cation— for  the  last  named  to  usher  itself 
into  the  acute  form. 

The  large,  small,  or  medium-sized  air- 
tubes  may  be  affected. 

When  the  smallest  bronchial  tubes  are 
the  main  seat  of  the  disease  its  gravity 
is  increased. 

Bronchitis  may,  if  neglected,  run  on  to 
inflammation  of  the  lungs. 

Symptoms. — In  the  acute  form  of  the 
malady  there  is  always  a  considerable 
amount  of  fever.  The  cough,  at  first 
hard  and  dry,  is  subsequently  soft  and 
moist.     Pain  is  present. 

The  so-called  mucous  rale  is  an  im- 
portant indicator  of  bronchial  inflamma- 
tion 

The  mucous  membranes  of  the  eyes 
are  of  a  bluish-pink  colour. 

Loss  of  appetite,  confined  bowels,  and 
so  forth  are  other  minor  symptoms. 

Chronic  bronchitis  is  denoted  by  a 
cough.  It  constitutes  the  so-called 
"  chronic  cough." 

Treatment. — Place  the  animal  in  a 
well-ventilated  stable,  and  keep  the 
temperature  as  near  60°  F.  as  possible. 
Uniformity  of  stable  temperature  is  one- 
half  the  battle  in  dealing  with  bronchitis 
in  its  acute  stage. 


14  The  Ailments  of  Horses. 

Clothe  the  body,  and  put  on  a  set  of 
flannel  bandages. 

►See  that  the  bedding  material  is  dry. 

If  the  bowels  are  confined,  add  a  few 
tablespoonfuls  of  linseed  oil  to  bran 
mashes,  scalded  linseed  and  crushed  oats, 
once  daily. 

Encourage  the  discharge  from  the  nose 
by  steaming  the  nasal  passage  twice  daily. 

Sometimes  a  seton  placed  in  front  of 
the  chest  does  good. 

Mustard  paste,  or  some  stimulating 
liniment — e.g.  camphorated  oil — should  be 
well  rubbed  over  the  throat  and  chest. 
In  sore  throat  this  treatment  is  equally 
applicable. 

Make  use  of  the   following  electuary 

twice  daily: — 

R, — Extract  of  belladonna      ...     3  drachms. 

Dover's  powder      4  drachms. 

Powdered  squills   ...         ...     1  ounce. 

Treacle        A  sufficiency  to 

make  of  the  consistence 
of  good  jam. 
Directions. — Smear  a  piece  about  half  the  size  of 
a  walnut  on  the  sides  of  the  molar  teeth  or  tongue 
as  directed.  Continue  this  treatment,  with  the 
addition  of  half  an  ounce  of  bicarbonate  of  potash 
in  the  drinking  water,  night  and  morning. 

Keep  the  atmosphere  moist  by  allowing 
a  few  pails  of  water  to  stand  about ;  but 
this  must  not  be  allowed  for  drinking 
purposes. 

Chronic  bronchitis  is  very  little  bene- 
fited by  medicinal  agents. 

C 

Catarrh.  —  Catarrh,  or  "cold  in  the 
head,"  as   it   is    sometimes   called,  is   a- 


The  Ailments  of  Horses.  15 

pretty  common  complaint  amongst  horses, 
especially  dm'ing  the  change  of  seasons, 
or  long  spells  of  work  in  damp  or  wet 
weather. 

Although  a  comparatively  benign  affec- 
tion, it  is  one  which,  if  neglected,  is  liable 
to  end  in  a  continuance  of  the  nasal  dis- 
charge, constituting  one  cause  of  chronic 
nasal  gleet.  There  may  or  may  not  be  a 
cough  present,  but  there  is  always  a  dis- 
charge from  the  nose,  and  perhaps  eyes, 
along  with  a  loss  of  the  usual  vivacity  and 
energy. 

Treatment. — Throw  the  horse  off  work 
for  a  few  days,  clothe  the  body,  and  give 
warm  soft  food,  but  avoid  liquids  for 
24  hours. 

Steam  the  head  .with  steam  issuing 
from  boiling  water  and  bran,  to  which  a 
tablespoonful  of  spirit  of  camphor  and 
terebene  has  been  added. 

Oil  of  eucalyptus  can  be  used  instead. 

Chronic  nasal  discharge.  See  Nose, 
discharge  from. 

Cataract. — This  is  a  disease  affecting 
the  lens  of  the  eye,  or  the  capsule  invest- 
ing the  lens,  or  both. 

It  is  an  unsoundness,  and  in  the  horse 
a  cure  is  out  of  the  question. 

One  or  both  eyes  may  be  affected. 

The  sight,  in  course  of  time,  becomes 
entirely  lost.  •  "• 

By  dilating  the  pupil  with  certain 
medicinal  agents  (atropine)  a  better  view 
of  the  cataract  can  be  got. 

The  candle-test  is  the  best  for  dis- 
covering defects  in  the  lens. 


1()  The  Ailments  of  Horses. 

Chorea,  shivering,  or  St.  Vitus'  dance. 

— In  the  horse  this  appears  to  be  an  in- 
curable disease,  and  constitutes  unsound- 
ness. There  is  often  a  great  difficulty  in 
detecting  it,  because  the  animal  may  go 
for  weeks'  without  rendering  evidence  of 
being  a  "  shiverer." 

We  have  seen  horses  badly  affected 
with  it  at  fairs,  &c.,  which  the  seller  has 
tried  to  conceal,  either  by  turning  the 
animal  quickly,  or  employing  some  other 
stratagem.  A  simple  -'  quivering  "  of  the 
tail  will,  perhaps,  be  the  only  sign  of  the 
disease. 

The  muscles  of  the  forearm  are  in  some 
horses  the  locale  of  the  affection. 

The  quivering  of  the  tail  can  often  be 
observed  in  the  stall  by  causing  the  ani- 
mal to  pass  from  side  to  side  numerous 
times,  with  the  observer  behind.  If  this 
fails,  give  the  animal  a  drink  of  water,  or 
(when  convenient)  drive  it  into  a  pool  of 
water,  watching  the  tail,  &c.,  meanwhile. 
Cold.  See  Catarrh. 
Collar-galls  (sore  shoulders). — An  ill- 
fitting  collar  is  a  common  enough  cause 
of  sore  shoulders. 

Some  horses  are  predisposed.  To  work 
a  horse  with  collar-pressure  whilst  suffer- 
ing from  a  gall  thereon  is  a  criminal 
offence,  and  renders  the  proprietor  liable 
to  prosecution.  Horses  predisposed  to  the 
affection  can  be  worked  with  a  breast-band. 
Another  cause  is  that  of  fraying  of  the 
lining  of  the  collar. 

A  good-fitting  collar  should  have  equal 
pressure  all  round  the  shoulders,  without 


The  Ailments  of  Horses.  17 

squeezing  the  windpipe  and  blood-vessels. 
The  traces  should  be  attached  half  way 
up  the  collar. 

As  a  lotion  for  collar-galls,  the  following 
will  be  found  beneficial:-  — 

5^. — Subacetate  of  lead     1  ounce. 

Powdered  boracic  acid         ...  2  drachms. 

Oxide  of  zinc 2  drachms. 

Water 1  quart. 

Mix,  and  apply  several  times  daily. 

Colic,  gripes,  or  belly-ache.—  This  is, 
perhaps,  the  commonest  complaint  from 
which  the  horse  suffers. 

Although  a  horse  with  simple  belly-ache 
may  seem  in  a  serious  condition  to  the 
layman,  it  is  an  affection  which  readily 
yields  to  proper  management,  provided  it 
is  "  colic,"  not  inflammation.  The  reader 
must  understand  that  a  simple  attack  of 
belly-ache  implies  severe  pain  in  the 
horse,  owing  to  the  large  size  and  extent 
of  the  bowels.  Such  pain  is  due  to 
spasmodic  contraction  of  the  wall  of  the 
bowel  at  some  particular  part  of  its  length. 
The  writer's  opinion  is  that  an  ordinary 
attack  of  belly-ache  never  runs  on  to 
inflammation.  There  is  nothing  to  show 
that  such  has  ever  happened. 

The  pain  of  belly-ache  may  continue 
for  several  days,  and  then  subside.  No 
one  would  induce  us  to  believe  that  there 
had  been  the  slightest  touch  of  inflam- 
matory activity  present. 

We  have  never  had  the  pleasure  of 
seeing  a  horse  recover  from  inflammation 
of  the  bowels. 

The  only  danger  attachable  to  belly- 


18  The  Ailments  of  Horses, 

ache  is  that  the  animal  may  twist  some 
part  of  the  gut  during  its  struggles 
through  pain.  In-foal  mares  must  be 
prevented  from  rolling  when  suffering 
from  colic. 

Causes.  —  Sudden  changes  of  food 
drinking  cold  water  when  over-heated 
abuse  of  purgative  medicine ;  worms 
impaction  of  the  bowels  with  food  material 
concretions  moving  from  one  part  of  the 
intestine  to  another ;  and  other  causes. 

Treatment. — At  the  outset  we  must 
condemn  the  too  frequent  practice  of 
giving  the  anti-colic  draughts  of  quack 
medicine  vendors.  Nothing  could  be 
absolutely  more  harmful,  unless  the 
vendor  guarantees  such  free  from  physic. 

To  give  a  horse  any  kind  of  purgative 
medicine  without  knowing  the  cause  of 
the  belly-ache  is  to  place  oneself  on  the 
borders  of  Eubicon. 

Supposing  that  you  are  certain  that  the 
pain  is  the  result  of  indigestion  or  confined 
bow^els,  then  by  all  means  give  a  purgative, 
and  let  it  be  a  good  one,  so  that  the 
bowels  wdll  freely  respond  to  its  action. 

In  every  instance,  the  pain  ought  to  be 
calmed ;  for  which  purpose  the  pre- 
scription below  will  be  found  suitable  ; — 

I\. — Tincture  of  belladonDa        ...  3  drachms. 

Chlorodyne     4  ounce. 

Sweet  spirit  of  nitre  ...         ...  2  ounces. 

Bicarbonate  of  potash  ...  \  ounce. 

Hyposulphite  of  soda  ...  4  ounce. 

Water f  pint. 

Directions. — Give  the  whole  at  once. 

After  giving  this,  keep  the  horse  walk- 
ing about. 


The  Ailments  of  Horses,  19 

In  one  hour's  time,  if  the  pain  be  no 
better,  give  half  an  ounce  of  chlorodyne 
and  one  ounce  of  spirit  of  camphor  in 
half  a  pint  of  tepid  water.  Massage  the 
belly. 

Flatulent  colic. — This  is  much  more 
serious  than  the  last-named,  because  the 
animal  may  become  so  distended  with 
gas  that  the  heart's  movements  are  stopped 
by  the  forward  pressure  of  the  midriff. 
The  bowel  or  the  midriff  may  rupture, 
though  the  mere  fact  of  finding  the  latter 
ruptured  after  death  does  not  say  that 
such  occurred  whilst  the  animal  was  alive. 

Active  treatment  is  demanded.  Four 
ounces  of  turpentine,  blended  with  a 
pint  of  linseed  oil,  ought  to  be  given 
at  once,  if  no  other  drugs  are  at  hand. 

Keep  the  animal  moving  about.  Send 
straight  away  for  veterinary  assistance, 
because  it  may  be  necessary  to  puncture 
the  bowel,  in  order  to  let  out  the  gas. 
The  distension  of  the  belly  with  the  gas 
is  sometimes  so  great  that  the  horse  may 
succumb  before  veterinary  aid  can  be  got. 
Always  give  the  draught,  however,  and 
do  not  regret  sending  for  the  veterinary 
surgeon  because  the  horse  is  well  when 
he  arrives.  It  might  have  been  getting 
worse.     The  cost  is  nothing  like  the  risk. 

Diagnosis  of  Colic. — The  pain  is  inter- 
mittent, i.e.,  there  are  intervals  of  ease. 
The  pulse  is  not  altered  when  the  pain  is 
resting ;  although  the  horse  may  be 
sweating  greatly,  there  is  no  anxiety 
about  the  face,  no  pinched  expression, 
and   the  body  does  not  assume  a  cold, 


20  The  Ailments  of  Horses, 

clammy    feel,    as    happens    in    a    fatal 
inflammation. 

The  after  treatment  consists  of  careful 
feeding. 

Consumption.     See  Tuberculosis. 

Contracted  Feet.    ^66 Feet,  contracted. 

Constipation. — Some  horses  are  pre- 
disposed to  suffer  from  torpidity  of  the 
bowels,  probably  on  account  of  the  con- 
tinued use  of  dry  fodder. 

A  deficient  secretion  of  bile  leads  to 
constipation. 

Certain  foods  have  an  astringent  or 
binding  action. 

Treatment. — Soft,  moist  food.  If  the 
animal  leads  an  idle  life,  daily  exercise 
ought  to  be  given,  so  as  to  rouse  up  the 
liver  functions.  The  tone  of  the  intes- 
tines can  be  improved  by  the  daily  use  of 
half  a  drachm  of  powdered  nux  vomica, 
along  with  one  ounce  of  liquorice,  given  in 
the  animal's  food. 

Constipation  is  a  constant  symptom  of 
certain  febrile  conditions,  e.g.  rheumatism. 

Foals  are  frequent  sufferers.  The 
waste  materials  (meconium)  are  naturally 
expelled  by  the  purgative  properties  of 
the  first  milk  (colostrum).  To  overcome 
this  confined  condition,  inject  two  or 
three  ounces  of  glycerine,  and  give  one 
or  two  ounces  of  castor  oil,  along  with 
two  ounces  of  linseed  oil. 

Corns. — A  corn  constitutes  unsound- 
ness. 

It  usually  appears  upon  the  inner 
quarter  (heel)  of  the  fore-limbs.  The 
immediate  cause  is  a  bruise. 


The  Ailments  of  Horses.  21 

A  recent  corn  is  denoted  by  a  red  star- 
shaped  mark,  but  an  old  corn  has  a 
bluish-black  appearance. 

Sometimes  a  corn  begins  suppurating 
(suppurating  corn). 

In  order  to  detect  a  corn  the  shoe 
must  be  taken  off. 

Lameness  is  often  present. 

The  horse  can  be  shod  with  a  leather 
sole. 

Cough,  chronic.     See  Bronchitis. 

Crib-biting. — This  is  a  stable  vice,  and 
a  very  objectionable  one. 

A  muzzle  or  concealed  crib  can  be  used. 
The  animal  may  be  kept  in  a  place  where 
there  is  no  manger. 

Cracked  Heels. — The  horse  is  fre- 
quently troubled  w4th  this  '  complaint. 
It  is  the  result  of  irritation  through  sand, 
wet,  &c.,  and  very  often  the  fault  of  the 
groom. 

Lameness  arises  through  the  sores 
cracking  when  the  animal  first  leaves  the 
stable. 

Treatment.  (1)  Preventative.— li  the 
groom  does  not  dry  the  heels  properly, 
forbid  him  washing  them,  but  let  the 
mud  dry  on,  and  then  brush  it  off. 

Some  avoid  clipping  the  hair  off  the  legs. 

(2)  Medicinal. — Apply  white  lotion. 
See  Lotions. 

Curb. — Horses  having  over-bent  or 
sickle-shaped  hocks  are  predisposed  to 
"  spring  a  curb." 

What  is  a  curb  ? — It  is  a  variously 
sized  swelling,  three  or  four  inches  below 
the  point  of  the  hock. 


22  The  Ailments  of  Horses. 

How  can  one  tell  whether  a  horse  is 
affected  with  curb  ? — ^Y^iy,  by  looking 
at  the  part  in  profile. 

What  shall  we  see  ? — A  slight  convexity 
rising  from  the  back  of  the  bone. 

Does  curb  cause  lameness  ?^ — ^Yes, 
when  it  is  forming,  but  not  necessarily 
when  formed. 

Is  it  an  unsoundness  ? — Certainly. 

The  treatment  comprises  firing,  or  the 
daily  application  of  a  little  red  blistering 
ointment. 

Cuts.     See  Wounds. 

D 

Diabetes. — In  its  commonest  form, 
diabetes  is  characterized  by  the  excessive 
outflow  of  pale  or  colourless  urine,  per- 
haps affecting  a  number  of  the  same  stud 
at  one  time.  The  excessive  discharge  from 
the  urinary  organs  arises  from  disturbed 
digestive  functions,  probably  brought 
about  through  feeding  the  animal  or 
animals  upon  musty  hay  or  oats,  &c. 

The  abuse  of  diuretic  (staling)  balls, 
powders,  &c.,  will  also  bring  it  on. 

The  diagnostic  symptom  is  an  excessive 
discharge  of  pale-coloured  urine. 

Treatment. — Withhold  all  liquids  lor 
about  twenty-four  hours. 

Give  one  of  the  following  balls  night 

and  morning — 

I]^.— Resublimed  iodine        ...     2  drachms. 
Iodide  of  potash  ...     4  drachms. 

Bicarbonate  of  potash  ...     1^  ounce. 
Powdered  gentian         ...     4  ounces. 

Treacle A    sufficiency    to 

make  six  balls. 
Give  as  directed. 


The  Ailments  of  Horses. 


Zo 


Of  course  the  cause  must  first  of  all  be 
removed. 

Diarrhoea. — Colts  and  foals  are  the 
most  frequent  sufferers  from  excessive 
evacuation  of  liquid  faeces.  A  distinction 
must  be  drawn  between  moderate  and 
excessive  purgation. 

Over-acidity  of  the  stomach  is  the 
usual  cause  of  infantile  diarrhoea,  and  it 
is  only  when  treatment  is  directed  against 
this  hyper-acidity  that  one  can  hope  to  be 
successful  in  stopping  the  discharge. 

A  fairly  common  cause  of  diarrhoea  in 
yearlings  is  a  blood-sucking  worm,  known 
as  "  vStrongylus  Tetracanthus."  Sudden 
changes  of  diet,  abuse  of  physic  balls, 
exposure  to  cold,  too  much  green  food, 
and  other  special  causes,  are  the  chief 
factors  operative  in  the  production  of 
diarrhoea. 

Treatment.  —  Try  to  ascertain  the 
cause,  because  be  it  understood  that 
diarrhoea  is  but  a  symptom  of  disease  or 
disorder. 

In  the  case  of  sucking  foals,  give  the 
dam  half  an  ounce  of  bicarbonate  of  soda 
or  potash,  along  with  her  food,  twice  or 
thrice  daily. 

To  the  foal,  give  a  couple  of  ounces  of 
castor  oil,  along  with  one  drachm  of  lauda- 
num. A  few  houi'S  afterwards  give  it 
two  drachms  of  bicarbonate  of  potash,  re- 
peating this  every  six  hours.  This  powder 
can  be  given  in  a  little  milk. 

Or  one  may,  instead  of  giving  the  castor 
oil,  administer  a  dose  of  grey  powder — 20 
grains   placed  on  the  back  of  the  foal's 

B  2 


24  The  Ailments  of  Horses. 

tongue.      Afterwards      use     the     potash 
powders  previously  recommended. 

Adult  horses  affected  with  diarrhoea, 
either  through  the  abuse  or  unexpected 
action  of  physic,  or  arising  through  ex- 
posure to  cold,  &c.,  may  have  half  an 
ounce  of  chlorodyne  and  one  ounce  of 
tincture  of  catechu,  and  a  quarter  of  an 
ounce  of  tincture  of  kino,  administered 
night  and  morning,  in  a  pint  of  wheaten 
flour  gruel. 

Sloppy  diet  ought  to  be  withheld,  unless 
it  be  of  a  binding  nature. 

Hard  food  of  any  description  must  not 
be  given. 

Distemper  of  the  horse  (influenza). — 
Long  known  by  the  terms  influenza,  pink- 
eye, bilious  fever,  &c.,  we  have  decided  to 
give  our  readers  a  change  of  name — 
though  not  original — in  connexion  with 
this  disease,  which  we  have  spoken  of  as 
"  horse  distemper,"  and  define  as  a  specific 
infectious  malady,  capable  of  spreading 
from  horse  to  horse,  but  not  to  anionals  of 
a  different  species. 

In  its  simplest  form  it  is  characterized 
by  a  catarrhal  discharge  from  the  nose, 
general  weariness,  cough,  soreness  of  the 
throat,  and  a  rapid  loss  of  flesh.  The 
extreme  prostration  is  one  of  the  most 
marked  features  of  influenza,  whilst  the 
internal  temperature  ranges  from  103°  F. 
to  105**  F.,  more  rarely  higher. 

Sometimes  the  lungs,  liver,  bowels,  and 
joints  become  implicated,  and  this  is  the 
reason  why  the  terms  "  chest  distemper," 
"  bilious  fever,"  "rheumatic,"  "influenza," 


The  Aihnents  of  Hoo'ses.  25 

&c.,  are  often  used.  Pink-eye  had  its 
origin  through  the  peculiar  scarlet  colour 
of  the  mucous  membrane  lining  the  eye- 
lids. 

Although  a  horse  may  have  more  than 
one  attack  of  distemper,  we  believe  that 
the  occurrence  is  rendered  less  liable  if 
the  animal  be  exposed  to  infection. 

During  certain  seasons  influenza  as- 
sumes an  epidemical  form ;  at  others  it 
partakes  of  the  endemic  nature,  i.e.,  the 
horses  of  one  city  may  be  largely  affected, 
whilst  adjoining  cities  know  little  of  the 
disease  during  the  particular  season  of  its 
prevalence  in  a  given  locality. 

Like  distemper  of  the  dog,  this  equine 
equivalent  is  always  present  in  this 
country,  though  perhaps  free  from  local 
or  general  distribution.  Isolated  cases 
are  constantly  occurring. 

Spring  and  autumn  are  the  times  of 
the  year  when  distemper  is  the  most 
prevalent. 

Symptoms. — Dryness  and  redness  of 
the  mucous  membranes  lining  the  eyes 
and  nose,  followed  by  a  thin  watery  dis- 
charge, gradually  thickening.  The  cough 
is  at  first  dry  and  hard,  subsequently 
becoming  soft,  moist,  and  oft  repeated. 

If  pleurisy  sets  in  the  cough  is  hard, 
short,  and  suppressed,  the  latter  being  to 
avoid  pain  during  the  act  of  coughing. 

Soreness  of  the  throat  is  usually  pre- 
sent— indeed,  the  cough  may  proceed 
from  throat  irritation.  During  the  early 
part  of  the  attack  shivering  fits  are  pre- 
sent, though  these  ma^  escape  careless 


26  The  Ailments  of  Horses. 

observation.  Thirst,  loss  of  appetite,  and 
lying  down  to  rest  are  constantly  seen  in 
influenza. 

Internal  temperature  elevated  several 
degrees,  bowels  confined,  and  a  scanty 
secretion  of  urine. 

Bilious  symptoms  are  seen  in  some 
horses.  The  yellow  colour  of  the  "  whites  " 
of  the  eyes,  inside  of  the  cheek,  and  pallid 
mucous  membranes  elsewhere,  are  the 
chief  indicators  of  liver  implication.  The 
pulse  is  soft  and  feeble.  Diarrha?a  or 
dysentery  is  inclined  to  prevail  if  the 
horse  is  situated  where  debilitating  (bad 
drainage,  darkness,  &e.)  influences  prevail. 

Bronchitis  is  a  common  complication, 
whilst  pleurisy  and  lung  inflammation 
are  not  infrequent. 

Pleurisy  is  denoted  by  the  short  and 
painful  acts  of  coughing,  high  tempera- 
ture, and  "  sighing." 

The  pulse  will  be  found  beating  at  the 
rate  of  about  eighty  times  per  minute, 
and  of  a  small,  hard,  and  wiry  nature. 
If  dropsy  of  the  chest  comes  on  to  any 
extent,  the  horse  stands  obstinately, 
breathes  carefully,  and  dropsical  swellings 
appear  about  the  chest  and  limbs.  A 
ridge  will  be  seen  running  along  the  side 
of  the  belly.  An  important  symptom  of 
lung  inflammation  is  the  upward  heaving 
of  the  back-bones. 

A  description  of  the  rheumatic  form 
wdll  be  found  on  reference  to  Eheumatism. 

Treatment. — Place  the  animal  in  a 
clean,  well-lighted  and  well-ventilated 
stable.      Clothe   the   body.      If  a   light 


The  Aihnents  of  Horses. 


'Zi 


horse,  bandage  the  limbs.  In  the  event 
of  the  disease  beginning  amongst  a  stud, 
separate  the  diseased  animal  at  once,  and 
keep  it  alone.  Then  take  the  tempera- 
tures of  the  rest  of  the  horses,  and  note 
the  "  rise  "  in  any  of  them.  Mark  such 
as  suspicious. 

Having  got  out  the  diseased,  disinfect 
the  building  with  chlorine  gas. 

Grood  food  and  nursing  are  the  best 
aids  towards  a  favourable  issue.  To  the 
animal's  drinking-water  add  half  an 
ounce  of  powdered  nitre  twice  daily. 

No  purgatives  or  bleeding  must  be 
thought  of.  These  would  be  subduing 
the  horse — not  the  disease. 

As  a  draught,  we  can  recommend  the 
use  of  the  following  every  six  hours — 

R.- 


-Sweet  spirit  of  nitre... 

..     1  ounce. 

Sulphuric  ether 

..     6  drachms. 

Concentrated  acetate  of 

ammonia     ... 

..     3  drachms. 

Rectified  spirit  of  wine 

..     4  ounces. 

Tincture  of  belladonna 

..     2  drachms, 

Water 

...     \  pint. 

Mix,  and  give  the  whole  at  once. 

If  pleurisy  is  suspected,  give  half  an 
ounce  of  tincture  of  perchloride  of  iron, 
along  with  half  a  drachm  of  quinine,  in 
half  a  pint  of  water. 

Repeat  every  six  hours. 

If  the  bowels  are  confined,  a  few — say 
four — tablespoonfuls  of  linseed  oil  can  be 
added  to  a  small  bran  mash  daily,  until 
the  consti])ation  has  been  overcome. 

However,  veterinary  skill  is  always 
called  for  if  the  owner  has   reason    for 


28  The  Ailments  of  Horses, 

suspecting   the   onset   of   this   untoward 
complication,  and  it  is  not  infrequent. 

For  the  bilious  form,  thirty  grains  of 
calomel  may  be  added  to  a  diuretic  ball. 

If  there  is  pain  in  the  belly,  give  half 
an  ounce  of  chlorodyne,  two  ounces  of 
sweet  spirit  of  nitre,  and  six  ounces  of 
brandy,  in  a  pint  of  cold  water. 

Bran  and  linseed  tea,  steamed  oats, 
carrots,  &c.,  along  with  eggs  and  milk 
and  a  little  brandy,  will  help  to  support 
the  strength,  and  thus  aid  the  depressed 
circulation  to  re-establish  itself. 

Tonics  and  mild  exercise  form  the  basis 
of  convalescent  aids. 

Dislocation  of  the  knee-cap. — The 
stifle-joint  is  made  up  partly  by  three 
bones,  the  one  in  front  being  a  small 
gliding  bone,  known  as  the  patella,  or 
knee-cap.  It  may  slip  away  from  its 
proper  articulating  surface.  The  causes 
of  this  are  variable. 

Treatment. — Draw  the  limb  forwards, 
and  keep  it  in  position  by  a  cord  around 
the  neck.  The  stifle  can  then  be  blis- 
tered. This  treatment  is  chiefly  appli- 
cable to  colts,  and  not  when  there  is  a 
fracture,  &c. 

A  high-heeled  shoe  can  be  put  on. 

The  most  important  matter  is  that  of 
keeping  the  limb  extended. 

Dropsy. — Dropsy  of  the  chest,  beneath 
the  skin,  within  the  belly,  and  (excep- 
tionally) of  the  brain,  are  the  chief 
forms. 

Dropsy  is  but  the  outward  expression 
of  disease  somewhere  else, 


The  Ailments  of  Hwses,  29 

Heart  disease,  kidney  and  liver  disease, 
are  frequent  causes. 

Dyspepsia.     See  Indigestion. 

E 

Eczema.  —  This  is  a  non-contagious 
skin  affection,  characterized  by  congestion 
and  the  subsequent  formation  of  vesicles. 
When  these  latter  are  mature  they  rup- 
ture, their  contents  drying  upon  the  sur- 
face, forming  hard  tear-like  masses.  The 
disease  can  be  either  acute  or  chronic. 
The  chronic  variety  is  frequently  seen 
upon  the  inner  surfaces  of  the  knee  and 
hock,  constituting  the  well-known  mal- 
lenders  and  sallenders.  It  is  on  the  flexor 
surfaces  of  the  joints.  Its  technical  name 
is  "  psoriasis."  Defective  nutrition  is 
probably  at  the  bottom  of  the  whole 
affair. 

Treatment. — Grive  half  an  ounce  of 
Fowler's  solution  of  arsenic  in  the  food 
or  drinking  water  night  and  morning. 
Apply  tar  ointment  or  chrysophanic  acid 
ointment  to  the  sore  places  every  night. 

If  the  surface  is  moist,  use,  in  place  of 
the  ointments,  a  lotion  composed  of  a 
drachm  of  creolin,  one  ounce  of  laudanum, 
and  eight  ounces  of  water. 

Grive  good  food,  and  plenty  of  it. 
Change  diet.  Continue  treatment  for 
several  months. 

Elbow,  capped. — A  common  cause  of 
this  is  constant  bruising  of  the  soft  tissues 
at  the  point  of  the  elbow  through  the 
heel  of  the  shoe.  It  also  occurs  in  un- 
shod hofses,  or  those  at  grass, 


30  The  Ailments  of  Horses. 

At  the  beginning,  it  is  a  serous  abscess, 
but  leads  up  to  the  formation  of  solid 
tibrous  tumour.  As  a  preventative,  an 
elbow-pad  can  be  worn. 

The  insertion  of  a  seton  does  good, 
causing  a  gradual  wasting  of  the  swelling. 

Another  plan  of  getting  rid  of  the 
tumour-like  formation  is  by  putting  an 
india-rubber  ring  around  the  base  of  the 
swelling,  the  constant  pressure  of  the 
ring  causing  the  tumour  to  die  (cutting  off 
nutritive  supply),  subsequently  sloughing 
away. 

Elbow,  wounds  of. — A  wound  in  this 
region  may  lead  to,  or  produce  at  once, 
an  open -joint  (which  see). 

The  movements  of  the  hip  sometimes 
exert  a  suction-like  action,  drawing  air 
into  the  tissues  beneath  the  skin  (em- 
physema), causing  distension  of  it. 

If  left  quiet,  the  animal  will  regain  its 
normal  condition. 

Eyes,  inflamed  (ophthalmia).- — Inflam- 
mation of  the  mucous  membrane  lining 
the  eyelids  is  not  uncommon.  The 
causes  are  variable,  but  a  hay-seed,  thorn, 
cold,  chemical  and  other  irritants  are  the 
usual  agents  in  bringing  it  on. 

Treatment. — Keep  in  a  dark  box,  and 
apply  a  lotion  composed  of  two  drachms 
of  Goulard's  water  to  every  eight  ounces 
of  cold  water.  Bathe  the  eye  or  eyes 
several  times  daily  with  this  lotion. 

If  neglected,  this  disease  may  per- 
manently damage  the  sight.  It  is  not 
uncommon  to  find  the  clear  portion  of 
the  eye  opaque,  the  opacity  as  a  rule  4is- 


The  Ailments  of  Horses,  31 

appearing  under  appropriate  treatment. 
If  a  foreign  body  is  the  cause,  then  the 
first  thing  is  to  remove  it.  Examine  the 
eye  very  carefully.  In  one  form  of 
influenza  the  eyes  are  affected. 

P 

Farcy.     See  Grlanders. 

Feet,  inflammation  of. — A  very  com- 
mon affection,  popularly  known  as  "  fever 
in  the  feet,"  "  founder,"  and  "  laminitis." 

It  is  a  disease  more  prevalent  amongst 
the  lighter  breeds  of  horses,  probably 
because  the  degree  of  concussion  is 
greater  ;  though  be  it  understood  that 
heavy  draught-horses  are  not  uncommonly 
affected  with  it. 

One  attack  predisposes  to  others,  repe- 
titions of  which  are  readily  observed  by 
reference  to  the  feet,  the  wall  of  the 
hoof-horn  becoming  arranged  in  an 
irregular,  ringed  manner,  whilst  the  sole 
assumes  a  flattened  form. 

The  congestion  of  the  feet  often  leads 
to  a  separation  of  the  '''  sensitive  " 
structures  on  the  pedal-bone,  from  the 
"  insensitive  "  laminse  on  the  inner  side 
of  the  hoof-wall.  This  allows  the  coffin- 
bone  to  descend  ;  therefore  it  occasionally 
happens  that  the  point  of  bone  projects 
through  the  sole  at  the  toe.  The  term 
"  dropped  sole "  is  applied  to  this  part 
when  it  has  taken  on  the  flattened 
condition — usually  the  outcome  of  foot- 
founder. 

Causes.  —  Concussion  ;  exposure  to 
damp  or  cold  ;  change  of  inflammation  or 


32  The  Ailments  of  Hm^ses. 

congestion  from  some  other  part  of  the 
body,  e.g.,  lungs  ;  standing  constantly  on 
one  foot  through  lameness  in  the  other  ; 
feeding  on  wheat,  &c.,  &c. 

Symptoms. —  One,  two,  or  all  four  feet 
may  be  affected,  but  the  fore-feet  are 
those  commonly  diseased. 

The  feet  are  hot  and  painful,  which  is 
rendered  particularly  evident  when  tapped 
with  a  hammer. 

It  is  quite  likely  that  the  animal 
refuses  to  budge  a  step,  and  when 
compelled  to  do  so  propels  itself  forward 
(if  disease  is  in  fore-feet)  by  a  dexterous 
manipulation  of  the  hind  limbs. 
'   The  attitude  is  characteristic. 

When  all  the  four  feet  are  participating 
in  the  diseased  activity,  they  are  bunched 
together  under  the  body  as  much  as 
possible,  and  the  heat  in  them  is  greatly 
increased.  The  pulse  is  full  and  strong. 
The  pain  appears  to  be  intense,  the 
slightest  movement  causing  the  horse  to 
shake  from  head  to  feet,  perhaps  falling 
to  the  ground  for  relief.  The  bowels  are 
constipated,  appetite  lost,  and  thirst  is 
considerable. 

Fat,  heavy  draught-horses  are  those  in 
which  the  malady  assumes  its  worst  form. 

As  a  rule,  laminitis  is  not  a  fatal 
affection,  but  its  results  are  damaging. 

Treatment. — After  the  animal  has 
been  got  into  the  stable,  have  the  shoe- 
ing-smith  sent  for  to  remove  the  shoes. 
This  done,  put  on  cold  bran  poultices, 
and  keep  these  constantly  cold. 

In  our  opinion,  every  case  of  laminitis 


The  Ailments  of  Uwses,  33 

should  be  treated  at  the  outset  with  cold 
applications,  and  after  twelve  hours  with 
hot  ones,  but  considering  the  many  draw- 
backs which  these  latter  often  entail,  it  is 
our  intention  to  recommend  the  continued 
use  of  cold  bran  poultices.  Experience 
has  proved  to  us  the  fallacy — and  even 
danger — of  asking  horse-keepers  "  to 
keep  the  heat  up."  Such  is  often  an 
impossibility.  Cold  is  infinitely  superior 
to  irregidctr  heat. 

The  shoes  removed,  poultices  applied, 
the  next  thing  may  be  that  of  trying  to 
persuade  the  horse  to  lie  down.  If  there 
is  severe  pain,  and  a  short,  deep,  dry 
straw-bed  has  been  provided,  there  need 
not  be  much  difficulty  in  pushing  the 
animal  over.  We  do  not  advocate  the 
use  of  slings  for  this  affection. 

A  draught  can  now  be  driven. 

R. — Powdered  Barbadoes  aloes  ...     3  drachms. 

Hot  water        ...     2  ounces. 

Add  this  solution  to— 

Tincture  of  belladonna        ...     jounce. 
Bicarbonate  of  potash         ...     1  ounce  (dis- 
solved in  a  little  water). 

Linseed  oil     12  ounces. 

Mix,  and  give  the  whole  at  once. 

Having  done  this,  leave  the  animal  in 
charge  of  a  trustworthy  attendant,  and 
return  in  six  hours  to  administer  the 
draught  as  follows  :— 

R. — Sweet  spirit? of  nitre         2  ounces. 

Tincture  of  aconite,  B.P 20  drops. 

Concentrated  acetate  of  ammonia    4  drachms. 
Bicarbonate  of  potash      ...         ...     ^  ounce. 

Water  4  pi^t' 

Continue  to   repeat   the   medicine   at 


34  The  Ailments  of  Horses, 

intervals  of  six  hours,  until  recovery  has 
sufficiently  advanced. 

Bleeding  or  the  "  exercise  treatment " 
is  quite  uncalled  for. 

As  recovery  takes  place,  a  little  green 
food  should  be  allowed,  and  daily  exercise 
enforced,  but  not  overdone.  Grive  the 
latter  on  soft,  wet  ground. 

Avoid  putting  to  work  too  soon. 
Common-sense  will  be  the  best  guide  in 
the  matter. 

Fetlock,  sprained. — This  is  denoted 
by  heat,  pain,  and  swelling. 

Cooling  applications,  a  bandage,  and 
rest  constitute  the  main  features  of  treat- 
ment. 

Feet,  contracted. — One  of  the  most 
fertile  causes  of  this  is  that  of  paring 
away  the  frog  (foot-pad)  until  it  is  hardly 
worthy  of  its  name. 

By  all  means  give  frog-pressure — the 
more  the  merrier,  so  far  as  the  horse  is 
concerned.  The  smith  need  not  take 
the  trouble  to  practise  horn-carving  at 
his  client's  expense. 

Narrowness  or  contraction  of  the  heels 
constitutes  unsoundness. 

Flatulent  colic.     See  Colic. 

Foot,  pumiced. — The  hoof  becomes 
elongated  and  flattened  from  above  to 
below. 

Foot,  punctured  or  pricked. — When- 
ever this  happens  it  is  an  accidei^t 
demanding  immediate  attention. 

A  misdirected  nail  (through  careless- 
ness at  times)  may  fall  to  the  lot  of  the 
most   skilful    shoeing-smith.     He   takes 


The  Ailments  of  Horses.  35 

care  to  immediately  withdraw  such,  but 
the  injury  is  done.  Tlie  wound,  if 
neglected,  begins  to  suppurate,  and  the 
horse  is  exceedingly  lame  and  ill.  It  is 
the  pent-up  matter  that  causes  all  this 
mischief.  If  an  exit  is  not  given  at  the 
sole,  the  matter  burrows  its  way  out  at 
the  coronet  (quitter). 

Whenever  a  horse  begins  to  go  lame 
shortly  after  being  shod  have  the  feet 
thoroughly  searched. 

Treatment. — Pare  out  the  seat  of  the 
puncture  until  the  sensitive  structures 
are  seen.  The  matter  must  have  drain- 
age. Xow  put  the  foot  in  a  poultice, 
give  a  dose  of  physic,  and  a  few  days* 
rest.     Remove  both  shoes,  of  course. 

Foot,  canker  of, — This  is  a  very 
intractable  disease,  attacking  the  foot-pad 
and  sole,  emitting  a  most  obnoxious  odour. 

Xo thing  short  of  an  operation  is  the 
least  use. 

Founder  of  the  feet.  See  Inflamma- 
tion of  these. 

G 

Gastritis.  See  Stomach,  inflammation 
of. 

Girth-galls. — This  is  a  common  com- 
plaint amongst  cavalry  horses  and  young 
horses. 

The  saddle  shifts  forward,  and  the  girth 
galls  the  back  of  the  elbow  and  the  sides. 
Careless  saddling,  big-bellied  horses, 
dried  sweat,  &c.,  are  all  causes. 

Remove  the  cause.  The  girth  can  be 
strapped  back. 


36  The  AilTiients  of  Hm'ses, 

Glanders  and  farcy. — So  far  as  the 
cause  is  concerned,  these  are  identically 
the  same  diseases. 

Both  are  due  to  a  specific  germ,  known 
as  the  Bacillus  malleus. 

Grlanders  can  be  either  acute  or  chronic 
— usually  the  latter. 

Farcy  answers  to  both  these. 

Glanders  may  end  in  farcy,  or  vice 
versa.  Commonly  both  are  present  at  the 
same  time. 

Farcy  is  denoted  by  the  appearance  of 
the  so-called  farcy  "  buds,"  or  "  buttons." 
It  is  the  skin-form  of  glanders,  though  in 
reality  the  absorbent  vessels  are  the  most 
affected. 

Both  diseases  are  incurable,  and  sche- 
duled under  the  Contagious  Diseases 
(Animals)  Act. 

This  Act  compels  the  owner  to  report  a 
"  suspect "  to  the  nearest  local  authority, 
with  the  least  possible  delay.  If  certifi- 
cation shows  the  affection  to  be  either 
glanders  or  farcy,  the  animal  or  animals 
will  be  ordered  to  be  destroyed  straight 
away. 

The  new  method  of  detecting  glanders 
is  by  the  injection  of  mallein. 

Chronic  glanders  is  denoted,  in  most 
instances,  by  a  discharge  from  one  nostril, 
usually  the  left,  and  the  appearance  of 
"  punched  "-out  ulcers  within  the  nose. 
There  is  a  cough,  and  the  gland  or  glands 
beneath  the  jaw  are  hard,  fixed,  and  swollen. 

Sometimes  there  is  no  visible  ulceration 
within  the  nostril  (occult  glanders). 

In   the  acute  form    there  is  a  higher 


The  Ailments  of  Horses,  37 

degree  of  fever  and  a  citron-coloured  dis- 
charge from  the  nostrils. 

In  farcy,  the  limb  swells,  often  to  a 
great  extent,  and  the  vessels  (lymphatics) 
are  cord-like. 

In  the  acute  form  the  limb  is'  very  hot 
and  painful. 

The  disease  is  cipable  of  transference 
to  man  by  inoculation,  in  whom  it  is 
an  equally  grave  affection. 

The  utmost  precautions  are  necessary 
when  dealing  with  a  glandered  (or 
"  suspected  ")  horse. 

Immediate  isolation  of  the  diseased  is 
essential. 

Grease. — This  is  a  skin-disease,  affect- 
ing the  limb  or  limbs  of  the  horse.  As 
the  name  implies,  the  part  affected  has  a 
sticky  and  greasy  feel.  The  hind-limbs 
are  often  affected,  and  large  grape-like 
formations  take  place.  Thickening  of  the 
skin  and  tissues  beneath  often  causes  the 
lower  portion  of  the  limb  to  assume  a  most 
unwieldy  appearance. 

A  soft  ordymphatic  temperament  pre- 
disposes to  grease. 

Irritating  discharges  don't  improve 
matters.  A  greasy  limb  causes  the  part 
to  have  an  objectionable  odour. 

Treatment. — ^If  grapy  tumours  have 
formed,  these  can  be  removed  by  burning 
them  off  with  the  actual  cautery,  i.  e.,  a 
hot  flat-iron  (blacksmith's  shovel).  When 
there  is  merely  a  slight  greasy  feel  about 
the  part, dust  it  over  twice  daily  with  equal 
parts  of  powdered  boracic  acid,  lead  acetate, 
alum,  and  kaolin  powder.     If  an  ounce  of 

c 


38  The  Ailments  of  Horses. 

each  of  these  be  used,  20  grains  of  carbolic 
acid  can  be  added  to  the  mixture. 

(rive  an  occasional  diuretic  ball,  and 
plenty  of  oreen  food. 

Poultices  are  needed  in  some  cases. 

A  bandage  can  be  put  on  after  the 
powder  has  been  used. 

Half  an  ounce  of  Fowler's  solution  of 
arsenic,  given  in  the  food  twice  daily  and 
continued  for  three  weeks  at  a  spell,  and 
then  a  mild  dose  of  physic,  will  be  found 
about  the  best  means  of  getting  rid  of 
this  nasty  complaint.  Repeat  the  arsenic 
in  a  few  days  after  the  purgative,  and 
continue  this  line  of  treatment  for  three 
or  four  months. 

Keep  the  diseased  part  very  clean. 

Gripes.     See  Colic. 

Grunting.— Some  horses  will  make 
this  noise  wKen  an  attempt  is  made  to 
strike  them.  It  is  often  resorted  to  for 
the  purpose  of  ascertaining  wiiether  the 
horse  is  a  ''  roarer,"  though  grunting 
is  not  necessarily  associated  with  any 
respiratory  defects. 

A  horse  may  be  sound,  yet  grunt. 


H 

Heart,  fatty  degeneration  of. — This 
is  a  diseased  condition,  and  one  which 
must  be  regarded  as  a  sign  of  "  under " 
nutrition,  w^hereas  fatty  infiltration  results 
from  "  over"  nutrition. 

Aged  and  worn-out  horses  are  not 
uncommonly  after  death  observed  to  have 
their  hearts  in  this  state. 


The  AUmeoits  of  Horses,  39 

The  organ  is  pale  in  colour,  soft,  and 
flabby,  with  a  greasy  feel. 

Here  and  there  a  fatty  patch  will  be 
seen ;  less  frequently  one  side  of  the 
organ  is  affected.  A  fatty  patch  on  the 
right  side  predisposes  to  sudden  death 
through  rupture  of  the  organ,  fatty  tissue 
being  incapable  of  fulfilling  the  duties 
assigned  to  the  muscular  tissue  composing 
the  heart,  which  has  been  "  replaced " 
by  the  fatty  material.  The  liver  may 
suffer  the  same  change. 

Heart,  fatty  infiltration  of. — The 
heart  may  be  entirely  embedded  in  fat, 
and  yet  quite  healthy  so  far  as  its  intimate 
structure  is  concerned. 

Very  fat  animals  have  often  their  heart 
in  this  condition. 

So  long  as  the  deposit  of-  fat  does  not 
interfere  with  the  movements  of  the 
organ,  there  need  be  no  fear  of  harm. 

The  oily  material  is  simply  poured  in 
between  the  fibres  (does  not  replace 
them). 

Heart,  dropsy  of.     See  Dropsy 

Hock,  capped. — In  ordinary  parlance, 
this  means  any  swelling  situated  upon  the 
point  of  the  hock,  forming,  as  it  were, 
a  cap  over  this. 

Playing  over  the  point  of  the  hock 
there  is  a  flexor  tendon  {flexor  pedis 
perfaratus),  the  expansion  of  which  forms 
a  cap. 

Now,  between  the  tendon  and  the  bone 
there  is  a  lubricating  membrane,  while 
between  the  former  and  the  skin  there  is 
a  similar  apparatus. 

c  2 


40  The  Ailments  of  Horses, 

Either  of  these  may  be  the  seat  of 
capped  liock. 

The  "  capping  "  of  the  hock  may  be 
formed  out  of  the  thickened  skin,  or 
tissues  subjacent  to  this,  to  "  dropsy " 
beneath  the  skin  (commonest  form  of 
capped  hock),  dropsy  between  the  bone 
and  tendon,  or  disease  of  the  tendon  or 
the  point  of  the  hock.  If  the  tendon, 
where  it  plays  over  the  point  of  the 
hock. 

Causes.  —  Some  form  of  external 
bruising. 

Very  often  capped  hock  is  a  sign  of  an 
inveterate  kicker,  but  its  j^resence  may 
be  purely  of  accidental  origin. 

In  reality,  it  constitutes  unsoundness. 

When  purchasing  a  horse,  care  must  be 
exercised  to  avoid  deception  with  reference 
to  its  origin. 

Symptoms.-  Look  very  carefully  at 
the  points  of  the  hocks,  standing  a  little 
to  one  side,  when  it  will  readily  be 
observed.  If  the  point  or  points  of  the 
hocks  have  just  been  bruised,  then 
there  will  be  increased  heat,  pain,  and 
swelling.  Not  so  with  an  old  capped 
hock.  When  the  disease  is  located  in 
the  tendon  it  has  a  very  hard  feel ; 
on  the  other  hand,  dropsy  beneath  the 
skin  and  tendon  confers  an  elastic  re- 
sistance. 

Lameness  may  or  may  not  be  present. 
Usually  not. 

Treatment. — Supposing  that  the  injury 
has  just  happened,  and  that  the  tip  of 
the   hock   feels    swollen    and   hot,   then. 


the  Ailments  of  Horses.  41 

you   must    use    the    lotion,    at   once,    as 
below : — 


R. — Tincture  of  arnica 

...     1  ounce. 

Goulard's  water 

4  ounce. 

Laudanum 

...     2  ounces, 

Water     

...     1  pint. 

Mix,  and  make  a  lotion. 

Directions. — Apply  the  liquid  to  the  hock  four 
or  five  times  each  day,  by  means  of  a  pad  of  tow 
soaked  in  it,  and  kept  in  position  by  the  use  of  a 
flannel  bandage,  applied  rather  tightly.  Rest,  and 
the  application  of  a  high-heeled  shoe,  will  assist 
matters  towards  a  favourable  issue.  After  the  in- 
flammation has  subsided,  try  the  daily  application 
of  equal  parts  of  iodine  ointment  and  red  blistering 
ointment. 

The   above    treatment    must    be    per- 
severed with  for  several  days. 
Hock,  inflamed.     See  Spavin. 

I 

Indigestion. — The  horse  is  a  frequent 
sufferer  from  digestive  disorder,  and  no 
wonder  when  one  comes  to  consider  the 
disrespectful  way  in  which  some  pro- 
prietors of  this  slave  treat  his  digestive 
apparatus.  By  some,  the  horse's  stomach 
is  regarded .  as  a  corn-box,  capable  of 
being  fiUed^distended — at  pleasure  ; 
others  go  to  the  opposite  extreme,  be- 
lieving that  such  substances  as  cabbage- 
leaves  and  straw  will  satisfy  the  demands 
of  the  economy.  Both  practices  are 
equally  pernicious  ones  ;  whilst  under 
feeding,  improper  food,  and  irregular 
feeding  are  the  main  causes  of  the  horse 
being  so  frequently  the  subject  of  diges- 
tive disturbance. 

There  is  a  disorder  known  as  "  stomach 


42  The  Ailments  of  Horses. 

staggers."  This  is  acute  indigestion. 
Its  causes  are  dietetic. 

Symptoms. — Pain  in  the  belly  (colic), 
indicated  by  restlessness,  or  rolling  and 
rising.  The  pain  is  not  continuous.  It 
often  happens  that  the  horse  has  a 
staggering  gait  (hence  the  name),  and 
seems  sleepy  (sleepy  staggers),  perhaps 
pressing  his  head  against  the  wall. 

The  pulse  under  these  circumstances 
is  "  slow." 

Sometimes  the  pain  continues  in  this 
way  for  two  or  three  days,  but  the  body 
never  becomes  covered  with  cold  sw^eats 
(unless  it  is  going  to  terminate  fatally) ; 
the  face  does  not  assume  the  anxious  ex- 
pression seen  in  inflammation  of  the 
bowels,  neither  does  the  pulse  take  on  a 
settled  "  wiry  "  feel. 

Treatment. — Give  a  purgative,  in 
order  to  rid  the  alimentary  canal  of 
irritating  material.  The  following  w^ill 
answer  : — 


H. — Powdered  Barbadoes  aloes  .. 

.     6  drachms, 

Dissolve  in  hot  water 

.     6  ounces. 

And  add — 

Tincture  of  belladonna 

.     ^  ounce. 

Sweet  spirit  of  nitre  ... 

.     2  ounces. 

Bicarbonate  of  potash 

.     1  ounce. 

Water 

.     ^  pint. 

Mix,  and  give  the  whole  straight  away. 

Some  people  believe  in  blood-letting, 
provided  the  horse  is  a  suitable  subject. 

Three  or  four  quarts  can  be  withdrawn. 

AUow^  plenty  of  warm  water  to  drink. 

INIustard  can  be  applied,  as  a  paste,  to 
the  belly,  but  wash  it  off  in  a  quarter  of 
an  hour.     The  pain  and  other  evil  symp- 


The  Ailments  of  Horses.  43 

toms  will  disappear  as  soon  as  the 
purgative  has  had  time  to  act  ;  but  do 
not  leave  the  animal  whilst  it  is  in  pain. 

If  the  latter  continues,  give  one  ounce 
of  tincture  of  opuim,  along  with  one 
ounce  of  aromatic  spirits  of  ammonia,  in 
half  a  pint  of  warm  water. 

Allow  sloppy  food.     Feed  carefully. 

Inflammation. — Any  portion  of  the 
body,  either  externally  or  internally,  may 
become  the  seat  of  inflammation.  The 
causes  are  either  irritation  or  injury. 
Specific  inflammations  are  those  arising 
from  special  causes. 

The  cardinal  signs  of  inflammation  are 
heat,  pain,  redness,  and  swelling. 

Treatment. — To  subdue  the  inflam- 
mation (removing  the  cause  whenever 
possible)  and  allay  the  pain.  Cold 
applications  in  the  early  stages,  followed 
by  warmth. 

Laudanum  and  belladonna  (half  an 
ounce  of  each,  the  latter  as  tincture) 
internally.     Gfive  the  draught  in  water. 

Influenza.     See  Distemper  of  horse. 

Intestines,  inflammation  of.  See 
Bowels,  inflamed. 

J 

Jaundice. — ^This  is  symptomatic  of  a 
diseased  or  disordered  liver. 

It  appears  to  be  the  result  of  absorp- 
tion of  bile  pigments  and  then  subsequent 
distribution  in  the  blood-stream  through- 
out the  body. 

It  is  denoted  by  yello^vness  of  the 
white   portion   of  the    eyeballs,    saffron- 


44  The  Ailments  of  Horses, 

tinged  mucous  membranes,  slow  pulse, 
torpid  indisposition,  &:c. 

Pain,  when  the  liver  is  pressed  behind 
the  ribs,  on  the  right  side.  Sometimes 
there  is  lameness  in  the  right  fore-limb. 

The  dung  is  clay-coloured. 

Treatment. — The  so-called  "bilious 
fever  "  is  one  manifestation  of  influenza. 

In  most  instances,  good  results  from 
thirty  grains  of  calomel  and  one  drachm 
of  physic  ball-mass.  In  the  drinking- 
water  add  half  an  ounce  of  sulphite  of 
soda  daily. 

If  the  bowels  become  too  loose,  stop 
the  medicine. 

No  purging  must  be  allowed  if  the  con- 
gestion is  an  accompaniment  of  influenza. 

A  very  useful  agent  is  dilute  nitric  acid. 
Of  this  liquid  two  drachms  can  be  added 
to  a  small  bran-mash,  night  and  morning. 

General  management.  —  Non-stimu- 
lating diet. 

Joint,  open. — The  hock,  fetlock,  and 
knee  are  those  most  frequently  punctured. 
When  a  joint  is  punctured,  a  glairy 
(whit  e  -  of  -  egg  -  like)  semi  -  fluid  issues 
therefrom.  This  then  is  called  "  open 
joint." 

What  is  known  as  an  open  bursa  is  not 
so  serious  as  an  open  joint.  The  last- 
named  is  often  very  stubborn  to  treat 
successfully. 

It  is  not  necessary  that  the  joint  be 
opened  at  the  time  of  injury.  Subsequent 
sloughing  is  capable  of  bringing  this  about. 

Symptoms. — The  joint  and  its  struc- 
tures around  are  acutely  inflamed.     This 


The  Ailments  of  Horses.  .        45 

is  denoted  by  swelling,  heat,  and,  if  the 
horse  is  down,  inability  to  rise  will  very 
likely  be  present. 

Usually  there  is  considerable  systemic 
disturbance,  demanding  early  treatment. 

Treatment. — Let  us  suppose  that  the 
joint  has  just  been  opened  and  that  it  is 
the  hock.     What  are  we  to  do  ? 

Put  the  horse  in  slings  at  once. 

Apply  cold-water  fomentations  (see 
these  latter)  to  the  joint,  and  at  the  end 
of  each  act  lay  on  a  pad  soaked  in  oil  of 
cloves.  Put  a  bandage  and  tow  tightly 
over  the  whole.  Do  not  interfere  with 
the  wound  for  three  or  four  days.  It  is 
an  excellent  plan  to  cover  the  pad — 
soaked  in  the  oil  of  cloves— with  iodofoim 
gauze.  A  physic  ball — not  exceeding 
four  drachms — may  be  administered. 

It  is  very  important  not  to  tamper  with 
the  wound,  because  this  would  reopen 
the  joint  if  it  be  healing.  Again,  care 
must  be  exercised  in  order  to  guard 
against  infecting  the  wound. 

Supposing  that  the  injury  is  not  a 
recent  one,  and  that  the  joint-lubricant 
has  been  flowing  out  for  some  time  ? 
Under  these  circumstances,  we  think  that 
the  best  plan  is  that  of  applying  a  smart 
cantharides  blister  over  the  swollen  joint 
and  all  around  the  sore. 

This  treatment  excites  a  more  vigorous 
inflammation,  whilst  the  increased  swelling 
closes  the  wound. 

Stiff  joints. — ^The  joints — particularly 
the  knee  and  hock — may  become  sealed 
by  deposition  of  bony  matter  around  their 


40  The  AilTnents  of  Horses. 

articular  surfaces.  This  is  termed  "  an- 
chylosis." The  ligaments  often  participate 
in  the  diseased  activity. 

Anchylosis  (permanent  fasion)  of  the 
vertebra?  of  the  loins  is  not  uncommon  in 
old  horses  and  hunters.  In  the  latter  it 
is  a  serious  defect,  whilst  in  both  it  pre- 
disposes to  fracture  in  this  region.  The 
so-called  occult  (hidden)  spavin  is  nothing 
less  than  fusion  of  the  tarsal  (hock)  bones. 

Anchylosis,  wherever  situated,  must 
constitute  unsoundness. 

This  stiffening  commonly  arises  from 
an  injury  to  the  joint,  especially  at  the 
knee. 

A  stiff-kneed  pony  will  manage  to  do 
some  kind  of  labour,  and  there  is  no 
pain,  although  it  may  be  very  lame. 

K 

Kidneys,  inflamed. — Inflammation  of 
the  kidney  or  kidneys  is  not  a  common 
disease  in  the  horse,  either  as  an  "  acute  " 
or  "  chronic  "  affection.  A  blow  over  the 
loins,  cold,  abuse  of  diuretics,  &c.,  will 
cause  it. 

Symptoms. — There  is  pain  over  the  loins 
when  the  animal  attempts  to  urinate ; 
straining,  perhaps  pain  in  the  belly  (colic), 
and  a  urinous  odour  given  off"  from  the 
skin.  If  any  urine  is  passed,  it  is  only 
very  small  in  amount  and  highly  coloured. 

Treatment. — Place  the  animal  in  a 
very  warm  stable.  Clothe  the  body  and 
bandage  the  limbs. 

Apply  mustard-paste  to  the  loins, 
washing  it  off  in  about  half  an  hour's  time. 


The  Ailments  of  Horses,  47 

Having  done  this,  give  the    following 
draught : — • 

R. — ^Barbadoes  aloes        ...         ...     5  drachms. 


2  drachm 
^  ounce. 
1^  ounce. 
^  pint. 


s. 


Tincture  of  belladonna 
Tincture  of  ginger... 
Chloric  ether  ... 
Aqua    ... 
Mix.     Dissolve  aloes  in  water. 

Directions. — Give  the  whole  at  once,  and  repeat 
every  six  hours,  omitting  the  aloes. 

An  improvement  is  denoted  by  dimin- 
ished j^ain  and  the  flow  of  urine. 

Knees,  broken. — The  terrn  "  broken- 
knee  "  is  commonly  employed  to  indicate 
any  form  of  wound  to  the  knee  or  knees, 
no  matter  whether  such  be  the  mere 
grazing  of  the  skin,  or  one  in  which  the 
joint  is  opened,  or  even  the  bones  frac- 
tured. 

Commonly,  an  injury  to  the  knee  is 
the  result  of  a  fall,  the  gravity  of  which 
is  determined  by  the  condition  of  the 
ground  upon  which  the  accident  happens. 
The  harder  and  more  flinty  the  road, 
usually  the  greater  the  degree  of  injury. 

Some  horses — e.g.,  "  speedy  cutters  " — 
are  very  liable  to  stumble.  Careless 
driving  may  cause  the  horse  to  fall ;  but 
we  must  never  be  too  ready  to  lay  the 
blame  to  the  driver,  because  such  acci- 
dents will,  and  do,  often  happen  to  the 
most  expert  horsemen  and  drivers. 

Symptoms. — When  the  skin  has  been 
merely  bruised  there  may  be  nothing  but 
a  little  swelling  to  indicate  this,  with,  of 
course,  a  slight  degree  of  stiffness  in  the 
joint  owing  to  the  latter. 

In    other   cases   the    tendons    may   be 


48  The  Ailments  of  Horses. 

exposed,  the  joint  opened,  or  one  or  more 
bones  fnictured. 

If  this  has  happened  there  will  be  a 
thin  glairy  discharge  issuing  from  the 
wound,  the  discharge  being  increased 
when  the  animal  moves  the  limb.  The 
glairy  liquid  is  the  so-called  joint-oil. 
Its  presence  is  always  indicative  of  serious 
injury ;  in  fact  it  points  to  one  of  the 
worst  forms  of  '''  broken-knee." 

When  the  bones  of  the  joint  are  broken 
recovery  may  take  place,  but  it  is  always, 
we  believe,  attended  with  permanent 
stiffening  of  the  joint.  Previous  injuries 
to  the  knee  or  knees  may  show  nothing 
but  discolouration  of  the  hair — darker 
than  the  rest,  or  one  or  two  grey  or  white 
hairs. 

Treatment. — If  through  ''  speedy  cut- 
ting," attending  to  shoeing  or  the  applica- 
tion of  a  boot  must  be  the  owmer's  first 
thought. 

Bruises  will  gradually  disappear  them- 
selves in  two  or  three  weeks,  but  deeper 
injuries  may  require  a  couple  of  months' 
rest  for  repair  to  take  place.  When  the 
skin  is  simply  bruised,  use  the  following 
lotion  three  times  daily: — 

R. — Sal  ammoniac  ...         ...  H  ounce. 

Common  salt  ...         ...  2  ounces. 

Methylated  spirit  of  wine  ...  6  ounces. 

Cold  water     ...         ...         ...  1  pint. 

Directions. — Soak  a  linen  bandage  in  the  lotion, 
apply  it  loosely  around  the  joint,  covering  the  whole 
with  an  ordinary  flannel  one. 

Fasten  the  head  to  the  pillar-reins. 

If  the  skin  is  broken  the  first  thing  to 
be  done  is  that  of  cleansing  away  any 


TJie  Ailments  of  Horses.  49 

dirt,  grit,  &c.  Neglect  of  this  might  lead 
on  to  lockjaw.  Having  seen  this  properly 
done,  dress  the  wound  with  creolin  lotion 
(two  drachms  to  every  pint  of  cold  water). 
Apply  the  lotion  with  a  piece  of  tow  and 
a  bandage. 

It  is  a  very  good  plan  to  sponge  the 
knee  with  the  lotion  for  about  half  an  hour 
night  and  morning. 

In  three  or  four  days,  substitute  the 
following  ointment  for  the  lotion; — 

R.— Iodoform  powder         20  grains. 

Boracic  acid  ointment             ...  1  ounce. 

Red  oxide  of  mercury  ointment  ^  ounce. 

Oxide  of  zinc  ointment           ...  jounce. 

Mix.     Apply  twice  daily  on  tow. 

When  the  joint  has  been  punctured  it 
is  advisable  to  apply  a  little  pad  of  cotton- 
wool (steeped  in  oil  of  cloves)  over  the 
part  from  whence  the  glairy  liquid  is 
escaping.  Do  this  every  third  or  fourth 
day,  but  don't  dress  the  knee  any  oftener 
than  this  under  these  circumstances. 

The  horse  should  be  kept  on  the  pillar- 
reins  the  whole  time. 

L 

Labour,  mare  in. — The  mare  may 
foal  either  in  the  standing  or  lying 
attitude.  The  immediate  sign  of  com- 
mencing labour  is  that  of  pain  within  the 
abdomen.  At  the  beginning  the  spasms 
are  but  slight  and  feeble,  but  as  time 
rolls  on  they  become  stronger  and  more 
prolonged,  until  a  final  expulsive  effort 
brings  the  foal  into  the  world. 

If  the  mare  is  standing,  the  creature 


50  The  Ailments  of  Horses, 

glides  slowly  down  the  backs  of  the  thighs 
and  hocks,  the  fall  rupturing  the  cord. 

In  some  instances  the  owner  severs  the 
cord  with  a  knife,  previously  tying  a  piece 
of  thin  string  around  it. 

A  little  bleeding  is  unimportant. 

Before  foaling,  the  mare  should  have  a 
well-bedded  dry  loose-box  set  apart  for 
her  accouchement. 

Noisy  demonstrations  of  any  kind  ought 
to  be  rigidly  avoided. 

At  first,  perhaps  the  foal  won't  be  able 
to  stand,  but  it  is  not  very  long  before 
getting  the  use  of  its  limbs.  It  then 
begins  to  look  for  the  teats. 

The  milk  usually  appears  in  the  gland 
about  the  time  of  birth. 

After  foaling,  the  mare  should  be  kept 
warm,  warm  food  given,  especially  such 
of  a  sloppy  nature. 

The  "  cleansing  "  or  after-birth  follows 
the  birth  of  the  foal.  It  should  never  be 
allow^ed  to  remain  beyond  twelve  to  twenty- 
four  hours.  Its  retention  beyond  the 
specified  time  is  a  source  of  danger.  It 
requires  the  exercise  of  considerable  skill 
for  its  removal. 

The  utmost  cleanliness  must  be  observed 
about  foaling  time. 

Lice. — ^The  horse  is  now  and  then  the 
subject  of  a  lice  plague. 

Poultry-lice  seem  to  flourish  upon  his 
skin,  and  these  vermin  often  come  from 
this  source. 

The  cause  should,  if  j^ossible,  be  done 
away  with,  and  the  animal  dressed  with 
the  lime  and  sulphur  lotion  recommended 


The  Ailments  of  Horses.  51 

in  the  treatment  of  mange,  or  some  other 
anti-parasitic  agent. 

Lockjaw  (tetanus). — This  is  a  specific 
disease,  being  caused  by  living  germs, 
each  germ  having  the  shape  of  a  screw-eye. 

These  germs  are  constantly  present  in 
the  soil  of  certain  localities.  A  trivial 
wound,  such  as  a  sore  back,  saddle  or 
collar  gall,  puncture  of  the  foot,  &c.,  is 
quite  as  liable  to  be  followed  by  the 
appearance  of  lockjaw  as  when  the  wound 
is  deep  or  extensive. 

At  the  best  of  times  lockjaw  is  of  grave 
moment,  and  a  large  number  of  deaths 
arise  through  it.  Kecoveries  are  not  un- 
common. 

As  no  amateur  would  be  likely  to 
undertake  the  treatment  of  a  case  of  this 
description,  we  consider  it  inadvisable  to 
enter  into  a  discussion  of  the  symptoms 
and  treatment. 

One  very  important  matter  to  bear  in 
mind  is  that  of  preserving  the  most 
perfect  quietude.  Noises  of  every  descrip- 
tion aggravate  this  malady.  Even  the 
careless  opening  of  the  stable-door  will 
bring  on  a  spasm. 

Loins,  strain  of. — Heavy  draught - 
horses  are  those  most  liable  to  suffer 
injury  in  the  region  of  the  loins.  A 
heavy  weight  falling  on  the  back,  or  a 
heavy  load,  up  or  down  hill,  are  both 
capalDle  of  producing  strained  muscles  in 
this  region. 

The  horse  must  have  several  months' 
rest,  and  the  spine  should  be  massaged 
daily. 


52  The  Aihneiits  of  Tforses. 

A  plaster  of  Burgundy  pitch  and  rest 
in  the  slings  constitute  the  rest  of  treat- 
ment. 

Lungs,  congestion  of  (pulmonary 
apoplexy).     See  Pneumonia. 

Lungs,  inflammation  of.  See  Pneu- 
monia. 

Lymphangitis,  weed,  or  Monday- 
morning  disease. — This  is  a  very  common 
malady  amongst  horses  working  through 
the  week,  with  a  day  of  rest  at  the  end 
of  it. 

The  heavier  breeds  are  very  frequent 
sufferers. 

The  disease  in  its  acute  form  is  denoted 
by  the  sudden  swelling  of  a  fore  or  hind 
limb,  commonly  the  latter,  such  swelling 
first  beginning  under  the  fore-arm,  or 
upper  and  inner  side  of  the  thigh. 

When  the  disease  makes  repeated  in- 
vasions the  limb  becomes  permanently 
enlarged,  consequently  unsightly. 

If  the  swelling  is  hard,  yet  the  inflam- 
mation acute,  the  pain  is  intensified. 

The  causes  are  twofold.  The  sudden 
cessation  of  work  allows  congestion  of  the 
lymphatic  glands  to  take  place.  This  is 
because  the  supply  of  lymph  exceeds  the 
demand — the  machinery  of  expenditure 
being  at  its  minimum. 

The  other  factor  is  the  ordinary  quantum 
of  food. 

Weed,  then,  w^e  consider  is  a  congestion 
of  the  absorbents  beneath  the  fore-arm  or 
thigh. 

Treatment.  —  1 .  Preventative.  —  Give 
half  an  hour's  exercise  on  Sunday  morning. 


The  Ailments  of  Horses,  53 

2.  Medicinal. — Exercise  freely.  If 
bowels  are  confined,  we  mnst  give  a  physic 
ball.  Warm  water  can  be  applied  to  inner 
side  of  the  thigh,  &c.,  if  needed. 

By  bandaging  the  leg  the  swelling 
can  not  be  kept  at  the  upper  part. 

A  diuretic  ball  may  be  given  on 
alternate  days. 

M 

Madness.     See  Eabies. 

Mallenders.     See  Eczema. 

Mange.  —  This  is  a  parasitical  skin 
disease,  appearing  upon  the  limbs,  body, 
or  both.  It  is  very  troublesome  when  a 
number  of  horses  are  affected  at  the  same 
time,  being  a  contagious  disease,  and  in 
the  Shetland  Isles  is  scheduled  as  such. 
In  every  instance  it  is  due  to  the  trans- 
plantation of  the  parasite  on  to  the  skin. 
A  pregnant  female  acarus  or  the  ova 
(eggs)  are  equally  fertile  in  producing 
the  skin  irritation  which  we  recognize  as 
"  mange." 

Three  distinct  varieties  of  these  vermin 
attack  the  horse,  the  commonest  bearing 
the  technical  name  of  Sarcoptes  equi. 
The  two  others  are  known  as  Dernia- 
todectes  and  Syrnhrotes  equi. 

The  first-named  attacks  the  neck, 
mane,  chest,  back,  and  tail.  If  the  para- 
sites are  allowed  to  continue  their 
ravages  they  will  denude  the  body  of  its 
hairy  covering. 

Although  always  the  result  of  infection 
— directly  or  indirectly — we  believe  that 
neglected  or  badly  fed  animals  are  pre- 

P 


54  The  Ailments  of  Horses. 

disposed  to  sufier,  or  at  any  rate  they 
form  a  suitable  soil  for  the  vermin  to 
enjoy  themselves.  Being  energetic,  they 
are  not  long  in  making  inflammation  of 
the  skin,  though  such  is  not  easily  seen 
upon  certain  parts  of  the  cutaneous 
surface. 

It  must  be  understood  that  mange  may 
happen  in  spite  of  good  grooming,  feed- 
ing, &c. 

Symptoms. — If  a  number  of  animals 
are  grazing,  or  stabled  together,  then  the 
spreading  nature  of  the  malady  is  fairly 
good  evidence  that  the  affection  is  mange 
(parasitic  mange). 

The  skin  being  irritable,  the  animal  will 
be  seen  rubbing  itself  against  various 
objects,  such  as  gate  or  stall  posts,  &c. 
The  hair  falls  off  in  patches,  and  the  skin 
becomes  dry  and  scurfy. 

Loss  of  condition  follows. 

The  diagnosis  of  course  rests  upon 
finding  the  parasite. 

To  do  this,  take  some  of  the  encrusted 
matter  off  one  of  the  sores  and  examine 
them  carefully  with  a  powerful  pocket- 
lens.  The  parasite  will  very  likely  be 
seen. 

It  does  not  matter  whatsoever  to  the 
layman  as  to  the  variety  of  this,  because 
the  treatment  is  essentially  the  same  for 
all. 

Treatment.—  If  there  is  only  one  horse 
kept,  then  you  must  take  him  out  of  the 
stable  in  which  he  has  been  living,  and 
dress  the  body  and  limbs  very  thoroughly 
■yvith  the  following  lotion  :— 


The  Aihnents  of  Horses.  55 

R. — Flower  of  sulphur     2  pounds. 

Slaked  lime 2  pounds. 

Water 7  quarts. 

Boil  the  mixture  down  until  it  measures  one 
gallon.  Subsequently  filter,  and  use  as  diiected 
above. 

It  is  the  best  way  to  rub  the  lotion  in 
with  the  hands  ;  but  before  doing  so  we 
always  wash  the  animal  with  soft  soap, 
hot  water,  and  Jeyes's  fluid  in  solution, 
having  previously — in  the  case  of  long- 
haired animals — clipped  off  the  superfluous 
hair.  This  facilitates  dressing.  This  is 
chiefly  applicable  to  colts,  &c.,  which  have 
been  out  at  pasture  for  some  months.  If 
the  dressing  is  properly  applied,  it  will 
kill  the  parasites — i.e.,  the  disease — within 
half  an  hour. 

No  portion  of  the  body  surface  must  be 
left  untouched. 

Having  done  this,  the  animal  should 
not  be  allowed  to  return  to  the  stable 
until  the  place  has  been  thoroughly 
cleaned  out  with  boiling  water  and  soda 
lime-whitening  the  walls,  &c.,  with  hot 
lime. 

In  every  instance  the  diseased  must 
be  kept  separate  from  the  healthy. 

Dandy-brushes,  curry-combs,  chamois- 
leather,  harness-padding,  &c.,  must  all 
have  their  share  of  attention  in  the 
general  cleansing. 

If  proper  measures  are  adopted  the 
disease  should  be  got  rid  of  entirely  in 
any  stud  within  three  weeks  or  so. 

Megrims.— Vertiginous  seizures  coming 
on  with  apoplectic  suddenness,  usually 
whilst   the   horse   is   at   work,    and    not 

p  2 


56  The  Ailments  of  Horses. 

unattended  with  danger  if  there  be  any 
one  riding  behind  the  animal.  It  is 
thought  to  be  most  frequent  in  harness- 
horses,  attributed  to  collar-pressure.  The 
pressure  exercised  by  a  tightly  fitting  collar 
does  undoubtedly  prevent  the  free  return 
of  blood  from  the  brain. 

We  believe,  however,  that  animals  with 
heart-disease  are  strongly  predisposed  to 
megrims. 

It  constitutes  unsoundness,  though  its 
detection  is  impossible,  as  a  rule,  when  a 
horse  is  examined  for  the  latter  by  a 
veterinary  surgeon.  Its  occurrence  after 
certification  by  this  authority  would  in  no 
way  render  him  liable  for  breach  of  faith. 
The  horse  usually  shows  no  premonitory 
symptoms  of  the  impending  megrim 
seizure. 

Sometimes  the  animal  stops  and  falls 
to  the  ground,  struggling  at  once,  or  it 
may  remain  in  the  standing  attitude  the 
whole  time. 

Perhaps  the  shafts  will  be  broken  in 
the  act  of  struggling.  The  attack  lasts 
but  a  short  time,  though  the  horse  may 
injure  itself  during  the  struggle. 

As  such  animals  are  unsafe,  we  must 
recommend  that  they  never  be  used  for 
the  conveyance  of  human  life. 

By  keeping  the  bowels  open,  feeding 
upon  soft  and  easily  digested  food,  the 
fits  can  be  kept  partly  in  abeyance. 

If  the  horse  is  working  in  a  collar, 
substitute  the  breastband. 

During  a  fit,  remove  the  pressure  by 
drawing  the  collar  upwards  and  forwards, 


The  Aihnents  of  Horses.  57 

The  seller  of  a  horse  affected  with 
megrims  is  rendered  liable  for  any 
injury  arising  from  such. 

Mud  fever. — This  term  is  applied  to 
an  affection  of  the  skin  denoted  by  a 
scurfy  eruption,  especially  about  the 
limbs  and  belly,  subsequently  upon  other 
parts  of  the  body,  due  to  the  irritating 
effects  of  mud  upon  it.  It  commonly 
results  from  bad  grooming,  mud  being 
allowed  to  accumulate  upon  the  skin. 

Horses  thus  affected  are  hide-bound 
and  unthrifty  in  appearance. 

Treatment. — Add  half  an  ounce  of 
Fowler's  solution  of  arsenic  to  the  animal's 
drinking-water  every  night,  and  in  the 
morning  a  powder  composed  of  half  a 
drachm  of  iodide  of  potash  and  2  drachms 
of  powdered  nitre. 

Each  night  give  two  tablespoonfuls  of 
linseed  oil  in  a  small  bran  mash. 

Allow  linseed,  carrots,  crushed  oats, 
and  bran  for  food. 

Muscles,  sprained. — Any  muscle 
during  severe  exertion  is  liable  to  be 
over-stretched,  but  perhaps  their  tendons 
are  those  commonly  strained,  consequently 
the  flexors  of  the  fore  or  hind  limbs  are 
often  found  to  be  hot,  thickened,  and 
painful,  with  the  horse  resting  the  limb. 
Sometimes  the  muscles  under  the  loins 
are  injured,  in  hunters,  especially  during 
the  "  drop."  It  may  happen  that  the 
horse  is  unable  to  rise  on  the  morning 
following  the  hunt. 

In  addition  to  this,  there  is  a  high 
degree  of  constitutional  disturbance. 


58  The  Ailments  of  Horses. 

This  accident  is  known  as  sprain  of  the 
psoae  muscles.     It  may  end  in  an  abscess. 

Purgatives,  an  occasional  warm  clyster 
of  barley-water,  with  an  ounce  of  lauda- 
num added,  and  hot  fomentations  to  the 
loins  comprise  the  chief  rules  for  treat- 
ment of  this  injury,  but  skilled  advice  is 
necessary. 

Recent  sprains  of  the  back-tendons  are 
treated  with  warmth  and  moisture. 

Apply  a  flannel  bandage  soaked  in  a 
cooling  lotion  as  follows: — 

R. — Methy/spirit  of  wine 4  ounces. 

Sal  ammoniac    ...         ...         ...  Bounces. 

Ice        ,  ...         ...         ...         ...  h  pound. 

Salt         o  ounces. 

Cold  water         1  quart. 

Dissolve. 

Over  the  flannel  bandage  apply  another 
dry  warm  flannel  bandage,  taking  care  to 
use  both  evenly,  thus  allowing  the 
pressure  to  be  equable. 

Chronic  inflammation  of  the  tendons 
is  frequently  treated  surgically. 

N 

Nail-bound. — This  is  a  term  applied 
for  the  purpose  of  denoting  that  one  or 
more  nails  are  driven  too  tightly  home, 
the  resulting  pressure  causing  the  animal 
discomfort,  perhaps  lameness.  If  sus- 
pected, remove  the  shoe  and  fasten 
not  so  tightly. 

Nasal-gleet. — By  this  we  mean  a  dis- 
charge from  one  or  both  nostrils,  either 
of  a  temporary  or  permanent  nature. 
In  reality  it  is  but  a  symptom  of  disease, 
and    before    attempting    to     cure     this 


The  Aihnents  of  Hwses.  59 

condition   an    effort   must   be     made    to 
ascertain  the  cause  of  tlie  flux. 

Causes. — Disease  of  the  upper  or  lower 
molar  teeth ;  chronic  catarrh  (cold) ; 
inflammation  of  the  mucous  membrane 
lining  the  nasal  and  air  chambers  in  con- 
nexion therewith ;  pus  in  the  guttural 
pouches.  In  glanders,  strangles,  influenza, 
&c.,  a  nasal  discharge  is  common. 

Ulceration  of  the  nasal  mucous  mem- 
brane is  a  sign  of  glanders,  so  that  care 
is  necessary  when  examining  a  horse  thus 
affected,  in  fact  with  any  nasal  discharge. 
Treatment. — As  already  stated,  an 
effort  ought  to  be  made  to  ascertain  the 
cause. 

There  will  be  no  difficulty  in  the  case 
of  a  horse  suffering  from  influenza  or 
strangles. 

Usually  the  nasal  flux  ceases  when 
recovery  has  been  completed. 

The  same  may  be  said  of  acute  catarrh. 
Steaming  the  nostrils  with  hot  water  and 
camphor  will  do  good  in  the  last-named. 

Diseased  teeth  will  require  operative 
interference  for  their  removal. 

It  may  be  needful  to  open  the  air- 
sinuses  in  order  to  wash  the  same  out 
after  the  discharge  has  been  allowed  to 
escape. 

A  bulging  of  some  part  of  the  bone,  and 
a  dead  sound  when  the  bone  is  struck,  indi- 
cates an  accumulation  of  matter  beneath. 
The  insufflation  of  iodoform  powder 
daily  does  good  when  the  discharge  arises 
from  prolonged  inflammation  of  the  nasal 
mucous  membrane. 


GO  The  Ailments  of  Horses. 

Navicular  disease. — This  is  an  in- 
curable malady  affecting  the  navicular 
bone,  its  cartilage,  bursa,  synovial  mem- 
brane, and  tendon  gliding  over  its  surface. 

It  is  a  very  common  complaint,  and 
almost  always  confined  to  one  or  both 
fore  feet. 

Horses  thus  affected  are  vulgarly  termed 
"  grogs,"  and  their  action  is  spoken  of  as 
being  "  groggy." 

The  short  catlike  step  is  very  cha- 
racteristic of  the  disease,  though  this  is 
not  so  evident  if  the  malady  is  confined 
to  one  limb. 

In  order  to  destroy  the  pain  arising 
from  this  affection,  an  operation  known 
as  unnerving  (neurectomy)  is  frequently 
practised.  This  oj^eration  in  no  way  does 
away  with  the  disease— merely  the  pain. 

An  unwary  purchaser  may  quite  easily 
be  taken  in  by  having  an  unnerved  horse 
palmed  off  as  a  sound  animal. 

So  far  as  the  purchaser  is  concerned, 
such  an  animal  is  worthless,  though  we 
do  not  say  useless  for  work. 

The  nerves  are  divided  in  the  hollow 
just  above  the  fetlock  joint,  so  that  careful 
scrutiny  at  this  seat  is  necessary.  The 
presence  of  a  slight  scar  here  points  to 
this  operation  having  been  performed. 
However,  it  is  quite  easy  to  confirm  one's 
opinion  by  pricking  the  foot  below  this 
part.  It  (the  animal)  does  not  respond 
to  the  stimulus  thus  applied.  In  other 
words,  sensation  is  lost  after  the  nerve 
has  been  cut  and  a  portion  taken  away. 

Symptoms. — Pointing  of  the  foot  (shoe 


The  Aihnents  of  Hm^ses,  61 

worn  at  toe);  lameness  as  soon  as  horse 
leaves  stable,  which  may  disappear  after 
the  animal  has  been  trotted  or  warmed 
up  a  bit  with  work ;  upright  pastern  or 
pasterns ;  wasting  of  the  muscles  of  the 
shoulder ;  wasting  of  the  frog  or  frogs ; 
absence  of  disease  in  other  parts  of  the 
limb ;  pointing  of  the  foot  or  feet  when 
at  exercise  and  in  the  stable. 

Treatment. —Careful  shoeing.  Keep 
the  toe  short.  The  operation  of  neurec- 
tomy by  a  veterinary  surgeon.  Shoe  with 
a  leather  sole.  At  its  best,  treatment  is 
but  palliative. 

Nettle-rash  (urticaria).  —  Nettle-rash 
is  rather  a  frequent  complaint  in  the 
horse. 

It  is  characterized  by  the  sudden  ap- 
pearance —  and  equally  sudden  disap- 
pearance— of  numerous  elevations  upon 
the  skin,  varying  in  size  from  a  three- 
penny piece  to  half-a-crown.  It  is  at- 
tended with  a  considerable  degree  of 
irritation. 

Although  a  comparatively  mild  affection, 
it  is  one  which  indicates  disturbed  diges- 
tion, and,  it  may  be,  nerve  irritation. 

Treatment.  —  Bathe  the  elevated 
patches  with  a  solution  of  baking  soda — 
one  ounce  to  a  pint  of  cold  water. 
Anointing  the  places  with  zinc  or  boracic 
acid  ointment  is  also  useful.  The  same 
may  be  said  of  Groulard's  lotion  and  white 
lotion.  Internally,  four  drachms  of  aloes 
and  twenty  grains  of  calomel  can  be 
given,  unless  the  bowels  are  loose  enough. 
Add   half   an    ounce   of    bicarbonate    of 


62  The  Ailments  of  Horses. 

potash  to  the  animal's  drinking-water 
every  morning  and  evening.  Grive  a 
change  of  diet.  Grreen  food  may  be 
tried.  A  diuretic  ball  can  be  used 
instead  of  the  powders,  giving  the  last- 
named  every  other  day  for  several  days. 

Nose,  bleeding  from  (epistaxis). — 
Bleeding  from  one  or  both  nostrils  is  now 
and  again  seen  in  the  horse.  Its  occur- 
rence has  been  noticed  after  an  injury  to 
the  bones  in  this  region.  It  may  hap})en 
after  the  removal  of  a  polypus.  In  a 
disease  known  as  purpura  haemorrhagica 
{see  this)  it  is  not  uncommon.  In  addition 
to  those  named,  there  are  other  causes. 

Treatment. — Syringe  out  the  nostrils 
with  warm  and  cold  water  (alternately). 

O 

Open-joint.     See  Joint,  open. 

Ophthalmia.     See  Eyes,  inflamed. 

Over-reach  or  tread. — This  in  an 
injury  to  the  band  running  around  the 
top  of  the  hoof,  otherwise  called  the 
coronet. 

Very  commonly  it  is  caused  by  the 
shoe  of  a  hind-foot  striking  against  it, 
sometimes  through  the  habit  of  standing 
with  one  foot  over  the  other. 

Long  fetlocks  predispose  to  the  injury. 
It  is  an  unsoundness. 

The  coronet-band  feels  hot,  looks  in- 
flamed, and  causes  considerable  lameness. 

Treatment. — Have  the  shoe  taken  off. 
Put  the  foot  into  a  bath  of  hot  (not  too 
hot)  water,  and  allow  it  to  remain  here 
for  an  hour  or  two. 


The  Ailments  of  Horses.  63 

Having  done  this,  put  on  a  warm  bran 
and  linseed  poultice. 

Continue  this  treatment  until  skilled 
advice  can  be  got. 

A  tread  may,  if  neglected,  end  in  ring- 
bone or  quittor. 

P 

Paralysis. — The  entire  control  of  the 
body  may  be  lost  (total,  complete,  or 
general  paralysis),  or  some  particular 
member  may  become  paralyzed  (partial 
paralysis).  Instances  of  the  first  are  seen 
in  azoturia  (see  this),  and  certain  brain 
and  spinal-cord  affections.  Paralysis  of 
the  eye,  tongue,  cheek,  lip,  bladder, 
bowels,  and  a  fractured  limb  afford 
examples  of  local  paralysis. 

As  a  rule  the  causes  of  complete  para- 
lysis in  the  horse  are  very  difficult  to 
determine,  just  as  difficult  as  it  maybe 
to  ascertain  whether  the  whole  or  only  a 
portion  of  the  body  is  paralytic,  provided 
the  paralysis  is  in  connexion  with  the 
trunk.  Old  horses  frequently  become 
paralytic,  though  we  believe  that  this  is 
more  correctly  regarded  as  loss  of  power 
through — in  many  instances  at  least — 
sheer  exhaustion,  especially  if  the  animal 
has  been  half-starved.  Paralysis  of  the 
tongue,  cheek,  lips,  and  male  generative 
organs  are  but  rarely  benefited  by  treat- 
ment. 

The  bladder  may  be  paralyzed  through 
over-distension  with  urine. 

Fracture  of  one  or  more  of  the  bones  of 
the    spinal    column    happens    now    and 


CA  The  Aihnents  of  Horses, 

again.  There  is  complete  loss  of  control 
and  sensation  behind  the  seat  of  injury. 
Diseases  of  these  bones  predispose  to  this 
accident. 

Disease  of  the  kidney  is  another  cause 
of  paralysis. 

The  treatment  will  entirely  depend 
upon  the  seat  and  cause  of  the  paralytic 
condition.  Strychnine  does  good  in  some 
instances,  but  its  use  is  only  safe  in  the 
hands  of  the  professional  man. 

Parrot-mouth. — The  upper  incisor 
teeth  project  in  front  of  and  over  the 
lower  incisors. 

In  "  reversed  "  parrot-mouth,  the  low^er 
incisor  teeth  project  upwards  and  out- 
wards in  front  of  the  upper  incisors. 

Peritonitis. — By  the  use  of  this  term 
we  imply  inflammation  of  the  delicate 
membrane  covering  the  bowels.  It  is 
commonly  associated  with  inflammation 
of  the  latter,  and  its  course,  symptoms, 
and  treatment  follow  so  closely  bowel 
inflammation  that  we  deem  it  inadvisable 
to  enter  into  a  discussion  of  the  malady. 
{See  Bowels,  inflammation  of.) 

Pink-eye.     See  Horse-distemper. 

Pleurisy. — The  lungs  are  covered  by  a 
serous  membrane  known  as  the  pleura. 
This  may  become  inflamed,  either  alone 
or  else  along  with  the  lungs.  It  often 
occurs  during  an  attack  of  influenza.  The 
danger  of  this  disease  chiefly  lies  in  the 
tendency  which  there  is  towards  the  accu- 
mulation of  watery  fluid  (effusion)  within 
the  cavity  of  the  chest.  If  this  happens, 
and  the  amount  of  accumulated   liquid 


The  Ailments  of  Horses.  65 

is  great,  its  withdrawal  by  operation 
becomes  a  necessity,  though  it  may  not 
be  successful. 

A  short,  suppressed  cough ;  ridge  run- 
ning along  the  floor  of  the  belly ;  hard, 
small,  and  quick  pulse  ;  high  temperature, 
and  sighing  are  the  usual  symptoms. 

Dropsical  swellings  beneath  the  skin 
and  difficult  breathing  point  to  the  pre- 
sence of  liquid  in  the  chest. 

Treatment. — Mustard  paste  ought,  in 
our  opinion,  to  be  well  rubbed  into  the 
walls  of  the  chest,  and  washed  off  in 
about  a  quarter  or  half  an  hour. 

The  body  must  be  well  clothed,  and 
the  limbs  bandaged. 

If  necessary,  the  mustard  application 
can  be  repeated. 

The  pain  can  be  overcome  by  the  use 
of  morphia,  j^referably  as  an  injection 
beneath  the  skin. 

The  average  dose  is  40  drops  of  the 
B.P.  injection. 

About  30  grains  of  opium  in  the  form 
of  a  ball  can  be  given  with  the  same  view. 

When  liquid  begins  accumulating  in 
the  chest  the  pain  diminishes.  This  is 
not  a  good  sign. 

An  ounce  of  sweet  spirit  of  nitre  and 
half  an  ounce  of  salicylate  of  soda,  given 
in  a  pint  of  water  twice  daily,  can  be 
tried,  before  the  watery  accumulation 
takes  place.  In  every  instance  we  should 
recommend  that  professional  advice  be 
sought. 

Pneumonia.  —  Inflammation  of  the 
lungs  is  a  fairly  common  disease  of  the 


66  The  Ailmeoits  of  Horses. 

horse.  Its  first  stage  is  that  of  congestion 
or  engorgement,  and  tlie  second  and  final 
consolidation. 

A  sudden  congestion  of  the  lungs  appears 
rather  frequently  amongst  hunters  which 
have  not  had  proper  preparation  before  the 
season  begins.  Over-heated  and  damp 
stables  are  capable  of  bringing  it  on. 

It  is  probable  that  some  forms  of  lung 
inflammation  have  their  origin  through 
the  presence  of  germs. 

If  in  a  hunter  in  the  field  the  disease 
is  denoted  by  the  animal  coming  to  a 
sudden  standstill,  breathing  rapidly,  and 
having  a  small  quick  pulse — perhaps  100 
per  minute. 

Anxious  expansion  of  face  and  coldness 
of  the  body  and  beating  of  the  flanks  are 
additional  symptoms. 

Treatment. — Dismount,  ungirth,  and 
turn  the  horse's  head  in  the  direction  of 
the  most  fresh  air.  Hand-rub  the  ex- 
tremities. Half  a  pint  of  whiskey  can  be 
given  to  the  same  quantity  of  water,  but 
the  treatment  is  that  of  bleeding  the 
horse.  From  six  to  eight  quarts  of  blood 
should  be  drawn  straight  away.  To  neg- 
lect this  is  simply  tampering  with  the 
animal's  life. 

Other  forms  of  lung  inflammation  should 
be  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  veterinary 
surgeon. 

Poll-evil. — By  this  term  we  jnean  an 
abscess  or  suppurating  sore  upon  the  poll. 

It  is  commonest  in  cart-horses  and 
ponies  working  in  coal-pits.  At  the 
beginning  it  is  simply  a  bruise  running 


The  Ailments  of  Horses.  67 

on  to  a  watery  swelling,  the  bursting 
being  followed  by  infection  and  suppura- 
tion. 

Treatment. — In  the  early  stage  cooling 
applications,  in  order  to  try  and  subdue 
the  inflammation.  If  matter  forms,  the 
abscess  will  require  lancing  and  then 
treating  as  an  ordinary  wound.  The  worst 
feature  about  poll-evil  is  the  tendency  for 
the  pus  to  burrow  between  the  muscles. 
If  this  happens  it  is  necessary  to  operate, 
so  that  free  exit  can  be  given  for  its 
escape. 

Polypi,  nasal,  Sec. — A  polypus  is  a 
pedunculated  (stalked)  tumour  growing 
from  mucous  membrane.  As  a  rule,  the 
favourite  places  for  these  to  grow  upon 
are  the  membranes  of  the  nose,  rectum, 
vagina,  &c. 

Their  removal,  when  accessible,  can  be 
effected  by  putting  a  piece  of  catgut 
around  the  base  of  the  polypus.  Bleeding 
is  thus  avoided. 

Sometimes  these  tumours  are  composed 
of  bone ;  then  their  excision  is  more 
difficult.  The  ecraseur  has  been  used  for 
this  purpose. 

Purpura  hsemorrhagica. — This  malady 
occasionally  follows  upon  influenza  or 
strangles  and  other  debilitating  diseases. 

It  is  denoted  by  the  appearance  of 
swellings  upon  the  skin,  especially  about 
the  head  and  limbs.  In  course  of  time 
sloughing  begins,  and  dark-coloured  blood 
oozes  therefrom.  Blood  may  also  issue 
from  the  nostrils.  The  mucous  membranes 
^re  covered  with  purple  spots, 


68  The  Ailments  of  Horses, 

The  treatment  should  be  left  in  the 
hands  of  the  veterinary  surgeon. 

Q 

Quarter,  false. — A  false  quarter  is  a 
fissure  or  depression  in  the  wall  of  the 
hoof,  situated  at  the  quarters. 

It  appears  to  result  from  a  defective 
secretion  of  horn,  brought  about  through 
an  injury  to  the  coronet.  It  is  an  un- 
soundness, predisposing  to  sandcrack, 
owing  to  a  weakening  of  the  horny  wall. 

Treatment.  — Remove  the  pressure  off 
the  wall  at  this  part,  through  the  use 
of  an  indentation  in  the  shoe,  or  by  paring 
a  notch  in  the  horn. 

A  blister  to'  the  coronet  may  be  tried. 

Quittor,  or  fistula  of  the  foot. — This 
is  a  very  common  disease  of  the  foot, 
either  fore  or  hind,  more  frequently  the 
former. 

Its  presence  is  indicated  by  the  forma- 
tion of  one  or  more  running  sores  around 
the  top  of  the  hoof,  previous  to  the 
appearance  of  which  the  coronet  is  hot, 
swollen,  and  painful. 

By  far  the  commonest  cause  is  a 
puncture  to  the  sole  of  the  foot,  either 
through  a  misdirected  nail  during  shoeing, 
or  an  injury  inflicted  in  some  other 
manner. 

The  original  wound  being  closed  up 
prevents  the  exit  of  matter,  which  now^ 
makes  its  way  up  the  foot,  finding  it 
convenient  to  discharge  itself  at  the 
coronet,  which  being  tough  but  elastic, 
prevents  the  formation  of  a  proper  abscess. 


The  Ailments  of  Horses.  G9 

therefore  one  or  more  sinuses  or  channels 
are  formed  instead. 

These  hitler  are  quite  incapable  of 
drawing  the  matter  completely  away, 
so  that  chronic  suppurating  sores  result. 

Treatment. — 1 .  Preventative. — When 
the  foot  has  been  punctured,  have  the 
part  kept  clean  and  dressed  with  an 
antiseptic  lotion,  such  as  creolin.  If 
matter  has  begun  to  form,  pare  the  foot 
(sole)  well  out,  in  order  to  give  free  exit 
to  the  discharge,  which  must  be  en- 
couraged in  its  descent,  through  the  use- 
of  some  bran  poultices. 

2.  Medicinal  or  surgical.  —  The 
fistulous  sores  must  be  opened  to  their 
depths,  so  as  to  convert  each  into  a 
healthy  healing  wound.  It  is  simply 
useless  trying  to  heal  them  from  the 
surface,  because  fresh  sinuses  will  form  at 
an  adjacent  part. 

The  so-called  "  bottoming "  of  the 
sinuses  may  often  be  attained  by  inserting 
a  red-hot  piece  of  wire  into  the  depths  of 
each  fistula,  though  it  is  a  painful  process. 

A  radical  cure  can  be  effected  by  means 
of  the  removal  of  a  portion  of  the  cartilage 
(lateral  cartilage)  situated  at  the  side 
and  back  of  the  hoof. 

We  would  recommend  this  operation  as 
being  the  best  and  least  expensive  in  the 
long  run. 

Treads  on  the  coronet  must  be  treated 
by  the  use  of  cooling  lotion,  and  then 
moist  warmth  after  forty-eight  hours. 
Rest  is  essential,  and  a  mild  dose  of  physic 
should  have  a  salutary  effect. 


The  Ailments  of  Hm'ses. 


R 

Rabies.— Tlie  horse  has  been  known  to 
suffer  from  this  disease,  and  it  is  always 
the  result  of  a  bite  from  a  rabid  animal, 
usually  a  dog.     It  is  a  specific  malady. 

Ranula. — ^A  ranuhi  consists  of  a  swell- 
ing beneath  the  tongue.  Its  precise 
cause  is  not  well  understood. 

Rheumatism. — The  horse  is  a  tolerably 
frequent  sufferer  from  rheumatism, though 
perhaps  most  frequently  from  the  clironic 
form  of  the  malady. 

Foals  are  common  sufferers  from  acute 
inflammation  of  the  joints. 

Again,  influenza  commonly  assumes  a 
rheumatoid  form,  particularly  if  the  con- 
stitution be  predisposed. 

Repeated  attacks  of  articular  rheuma- 
tism lead  to  the  permanent  stiffening  and 
enlargement  of  the  part  affected. 

The  most  characteristic  feature  of 
articular  rheumatism,  is  its  tendency  to 
shift  from  one  joint  to  another  without 
the  slightest  apparent  warning. 

The  joint  or  joints  are  hot,  painful,  and 
swollen.  The  fetlock  and  knee  are 
common  locales  for  this  to  happen  in. 
Somethnes  tliere  is  a  high  degree  of  fever 
(rheumatic  fever). 

Treatment. — A  dry  bed  and  warm,  dry 
apartments  are  absolutely  essential  to 
successful  treatment.  Clothe  the  body 
well,  and  do  not  allow  the  least  draught 
to  enter  the  stable.  To  the  swollen  joints 
apply  cooling  lotion  (never  use  fomenta- 
tions of  warm  water  or  liniments  in  acute 


The  Ailments  of  Hm^ses.  71 

attacks),  such  as  iced  water  or  sal  am- 
moniac and  saltpetre  (1  ounce  of  each  to 
a  quart  of  water). 

This  lotion  can  be  used  by  dipping  lint 
into  it,  and  then  covering  the  whole  over 
with  a  bandage  soaked  in  vinegar  and 
water. 

Foals  require  the  same  treatment,  so 
far  as  external  applications  are  concerned. 

Internally,  give  the  animal  the  draught 
as  follows,  twice  daily  : — 

R. — Salicylate  of  soda     2  drachms. 

Iodide  of  potash        ...         ...  50  grains. 

Bicarbonate  of  potash  ...     h  ounce. 

Directions. — The  whole  to  be  given  at  once. 

To  foals  give  the  following  powder 
thrice  daily: — 

R. — Iodide  of  potash        20  grains. 

Dover's  powder  ...         ...     5  grains. 

Bicarbonate  of  potash  ...   10  drachms. 

Salicylate  of  soda      ...         ...  40  grains. 

Mix.     Give  in  eight  tablespoonfuls  of  tepid  milk. 
Get  a  dozen  of  these  powders  made  at  the  chemist's. 

For  chronic  rheumatism  the  best 
treatment  is  massage  for  half  an  hour 
twice  daily. 

General  management. — Cold  water  to 
drink.  ►Sloppy,  but  good  food.  Milk, 
with  a  dessertspoonful  of  carbonate  of 
soda,  can  be  given  as  a  drink.  Linseed 
and  bran  mashes.  If  the  bowels  are 
obstinately  confined,  give  a  clyster.  To 
foals,  two  or  three  ounces  of  castor  oil. 
A  little  green  food,  if  possible. 

Rectum,  protrusion  and  rupture  of. — 
Protrusion  of  the  rectum  is  the  result  of 
straining,  either  during  foaling,  or  else 
through  constipation, 

E  2 


72  The  Ailments  of  Horses, 

-  Old  age  and  debility  predispose  towards 
it.  The  })n)truded  portion  requires 
cleansing  and  then  returning. 

Kupture  of  the  rectum  is  not  very  un- 
common in  the  mare.  In  her  it  has  been 
produced  through  false  service,  i.e.,  per 
rectum. 

A  vigorous  vaginal  copulation  has  been 
said  to  have  produced  it,  the  pressure 
being  brought  upon  the  upper  vaginal 
wall. 

Pain  comes  on  shortly  after  service. 
It  appears  to  be  always  fatal. 

Ringbone. — This  is  a  bony  enlargement 
upon  the  pastern-joint  or  a  little  above  it. 
The  first  seat  of  disease  confers  the  title 
of  "low,"  and  the  second  "high"  ring- 
bone. Both  these  can  be  detected,  we 
believe,  with  the  aid  of  the  X-rays, 
though  the  usual  method  is  by  the  sense 
of  touch,  and,  when  large,  by  the  sight. 
As  a  rule,  the  ring  of  bone  is  incomplete. 

It  is  the  result  of  an  acute  inflammation 
of  the  covering  of  the  bone  and  the  bone 
itself. 

Although  ringbone  may  appear  upon 
the  fore  limbs,  it  is  usually  upon  the 
hind  ones  that  we  find  it. 

Causes.  —  A  blow  in  this  region  is 
capable  of  setting  up  inflammation. 

Concussion  is  said  to  be  a  frequent 
cause,  whilst  hereditary  predisposition 
still  holds  its  sway. 

Lameness,  when  the  inflammation  is 
progressing. 

Treatment. — Rest  and  the  application 
of  a  bar  shoe,    Some  people  fire  the  part,. 


The  Ailments  of  Horses.  73 

Ringworm.  —  A  skin  disease,  caused 
by  a  vegetable  parasite,  of  which  there 
are  two  species. 

The  hair  falls  off,  leaving  a  circular 
stubbly  patch.* 

Treatment. — Wash  and  scrub  the  part 
with  soft  soap  and  hot  water.  Now  rub 
in  iodine  ointment  daily,  or  paint  with 
iodine  tincture. 

Roaring. — This  constitutes  one  of  the 
worst  forms  of  unsoundness,  and  is  a  very 
common  disease. 

iNIany  handsome  horses  are  perfect  but 
for  this  defect.  This  is  the  reason  why 
many  high-class  horses  are  doing  cab  or 
other  menial  work. 

Although  usually  said  to  be  an  hereditary 
disease,  it  by  no  means  follows  that  every 
"  roarer "  has  received  such  as  an  in- 
heritance— in  fact,  this  is  an  indisputable 
truism. 

Hereditary  roaring  is,  so  far  as  we 
know,  incurable,  the  muscle  of  the  larynx 
(voice-box)  having  undergone  fatty  de- 
generation through  impaired  nerve  func- 
tions. 

The  muscular  tissue  is  gradually  re- 
placed (destroyed)  by  fatty  material.  This 
is,  of  course,  quite  useless  for  the  func- 
tions assigned  to  the  replaced  muscle. 
Hence  a  portion  of  the  larynx  remain^ 
paralytic,  and  it  is  this  which  interferes 
with  the  air  supply  to  the  lungs. 

Whistling  is  a  modification  of  roaring. 

Tumours  in  the  nostril,  larynx,  disease 

*  In  the  other  variety  a  honeycomb  appearance 
is  produced. 


74  The  Ailments  of  Horses. 

of    the    windpipe,    are    other    causes    of 
roaring. 

If  the  morbid  growth  can  be  removed, 
then  the  roaring  -  as  such  is  but  a  symp- 
tom of  disease — can  be  cured. 

Many  horses  work  throughout  their 
lives  with  an  air  "  inlet "  and  "  outlet  " 
tube  fixed  in  their  windpipe — indeed,  this 
is  the  best  palliative  for  hereditary  roaring. 

It  is  the  lighter  breeds  of  horses  that 
are  the  usual  sufferers. 

Grunting,  when  a  feint  is  made  to 
strike  the  horse,  points  to  the  animal 
being  "  touched  in  his  wind,"  though  by 
no  means  must  it  be  regarded  as  positive 
evidence  witliout  further  trial.  Put  the 
horse  to  severe  exertion. 

Ruptures. — The  commonest  rupture  is 
found  at  the  navel  in  colts,  foals,  and 
fillies.  This  constitutes  umbilical  hernia. 
As  a  rule  it  disappears  as  the  animal  grows 
older.     If  not,  ah  operation  is  called  for. 

Scrotal  rupture  is  sometimes  seen.  The 
bowel  passes  into  the  testicular  bag, 
and  sometimes  hangs  down  between  the 
legs,  if  large.  The  danger  rests  in 
the  liability  towards  strangulation  of  the 
bowel.     An  operation  is  needed. 

S 

Saddle-galls. — These  are  produced  by 
an  ill-fitting  saddle,  and  correspond  to 
"  shoulder  "  and  "  girth  "  galls,  also  car- 
bine-bucket galls,  shoe-case  galls,  sword- 
galls,  &c. 

Loss  of  flesh  predisposes  to  saddle- 
galling.     Careless  riding,  long  rides,  and 


The  Ailmients  of  Horses.  75 

removing  the  saddle  whilst  the  back  is 
hot  and  wet,  are  amongst  other  causes. 

If  the  injury  is  caused  by  the  saddle, 
make  a  careful  inspection  when  the  saddle 
is  on  the  back.  The  cause  must  be  re- 
moved, and  the  injury  allowed  time  to 
heal. 

Sallenders.     See  Eczema. 

Sandcrack. — By  the  use  of  this  term 
we  mean  a  split  in  the  horn  of  the  wall 
of  the  hoof.  It  is  an  unsoundness.  Some 
horses  go  very  lame  through  advanced 
sandcrack.  Unless  the  split  nips  the 
sensitive  structures  on  the  front  of  the 
pedal  (coffin)  bone  it  causes  no  pain. 

Sandcracks  usually  appear  upon  the 
"  inner  quarter  "  of  the  fore-limbs,  and  at 
the  "  front  "  of  the  hinder  ones. 

The  split  may  begin  on  the  inner  or 
outer  side  of  the  wall,  and  extend  through 
the  thickness  of  the  horn  in  either 
direction. 

Treatment. — The  main  object  aimed 
at  is  that  of  inducing  a  healthy  growth  of 
horn,  from  above  to  below. 

Clasping  the  crack  prevents  further 
injury.  The  horse  must  not  be  worked 
if  pain  is  induced. 

Seedy-toe.  —  The  horn  at  the  toe 
assumes  a  mealy  appearance.  It  is  soft 
and  devoid  of  tenacity.  It  may  be  that 
the  toe-clip  is  causing  it. 

Remove  the  clip,  if  this  is  the  case. 

Shivering.  See  Chorea,  or  St.  Vitus' 
dance. 

Shins,  soreness  of. — Soreness,  or  in- 
flammation, of  the   shins  arises  through 


7()  The  Ailments  of  Horses. 

the  effects  of  concussion,  and  is  said  to  be 
commonest  in  racehorses. 

A  blow  is  capable  of  bringing  it  on. 

It  is  an  inflammation  of  the  membrane 
covering  the  bone — cannon-bone. 

Heat,  pain,  lameness,  and  swelling  are 
the  chief  symptoms. 

Treatment. —  Rest,  and  cooling  lotion 
to  the  inflamed  part.  If  an  abscess  forms 
the  matter  must  be  allowed  to  escape. 
This  is  done  by  scarifying  the  part,  but 
skill  is  necessary  for  this  purpose,  there- 
fore it  is  advisable  to  consult  a  veterinary 
surgeon. 

Sitfast. — By  a  "  sitfast  "  we  mean  an 
indolent  sore  upon  the  back.  There  is  a 
seat  surrounded  by  a  zone  of  dead  tissue, 
or  a  tissue  at  any  rate  that  impedes  the 
healing  process. 

Excision  of  the  dead  tissue  brings  good 
results,  but  a  blister  can  be  applied 
around  the  sore.  It  is  necessary  to  keep 
the  animal  off  its  work  if  a  cure  has  to  be 
effected. 

Side-bone. — At  the  back  of  the  coffin- 
bone  two  flexible  pieces  of  cartilage  are 
attached.  These  yield  an  elastic  feel 
when  the  thumb  is  pressed  against  the 
upper  and  back  j^art  of  the  hoof,  provided 
that  they  are  healthy,  but  don't  respond 
to  this  pressure  if  diseased. 

Now,  in  side-bone  we  find  that  they 
have  gradually  become  hard,  and  assumed 
a  bony-like  character.  It  is  this  which 
constitutes  side-bone.  Heavy  horses  are 
those  usually  affected,  though  in  these 
the    disease    is    the    least    objectionable. 


The  Ailments  of  Horses.  77 

The  fore  limb  or  limbs  are  the  usual 
seats  of  the  disease. 

Never  buy  a  light  horse  with  side-bone. 
In  any  case,  if  it  be  decided  to  purchase 
the  animal,  the  price  must  be  reduced. 

The  chief  cause  appears  to  be  con- 
cussion. During  progression,  the  horse 
throws  his  weight  upon  the  front  part  of 
the  foot. 

Treatment.— Rest,  firing,  high-heeled 

shoe,  or  operation. 

Sore-throat. — This  is  a  fairly  common 
affection.  It  is  often  spoken  of  as  "la- 
ryngitis," and  may  be  the  result  of  a 
simple  cold,  or  part  and  parcel  of  influenza. 

The  horse  has  a  cough— hard  and  dry 
at  first— difficulty,  or  complete  inability 
to  swallow  anything  beyond  a  little  liquid. 

The  nose  is  poked  forward,  so  as  to 
relieve  the  pressure  upon  the  upper  part 
of  the  windpipe. 

As  soon  as  the  cough  becomes  moist 
and  soft,  a  free  discharge  from  the  nostrils 
takes  place.  This  is  a  good  sign.  The 
discharge  must  be  encouraged  by  the  use 
of  inhalations.  The  difficulty  of  breathing 
may  become  so  great  as  to  threaten 
suffocation  ;  if  so,  tracheotomy  ought  to 
be  performed. 

Fever  and  a  hard  pulse  are  other 
symptoms. 

Treatment. — Apply  turpentine  lini- 
ment to  the  throat,  beginning  beneath 
the  jaw  and  extending  the  rubbing  down 
the  course  of  the  windpipe. 

Mustard  paste  can  be  used  instead ;  but 
wash  it  off"  in  about  a  quarter  of  an  hour. 


78  Tlte  Ailments  of  Hoi'ses. 

Swathe  the  whole  of  the  head  and  neck 
with  a  flannel-lined  hood,  &c.     Use  the 
.following  electuary  thrice  daily,  by  smear- 
ing a  piece  about  the  size  of  a  walnut  on 
the  inner  side  of  the  cheek  :-- 

R. — Powdered  chlorate  of  potash     1  ounce. 
Extract  of  hyoscyamus        ...     ^  ounce. 
Powdered  myrrh       ...         ...     1  ounce. 

Powdered  liquorice  ...         ...     1  ounce. 

Glycerine        2  ounces. 

Treacle  ...     A    sufficiency 

to  make  the  whole  of  the 
consistency  of  good  jam_ 

Grive  soft  or  liquid  food  only. 

Spasms.     See  Colic. 

Spavin.^ — When  the  enlargement  is  of 
a  bony  nature,  it  is  termed  bone-spavin ; 
if  a  distended  vein  at  the  part,  blood- 
spavin  ;  whilst  inappreciable  (though 
suspected)  changes  between  the  bones  of 
the  hock-joint  give  rise  to  the  so-called 
occult  (hidden)  spavin. 

Bog-spavin  is  a  loose  term,  and  can  be 
used  in  connexion  with  any  swelling  of 
the  hock. 

Both  light  and  heavy  horses  are  equally 
subject  to  spavin. 

It  is  spoken  of  as  an  hereditary  disease 
when  of  a  bony  nature. 

Strictly  speaking,  there  is  only  one 
kind  of  spavin,  and  that  is  the  bony 
formation,  usually  showing  itself  upon 
the  inner  and  lower  face  of  the  hock, 
just  at  the  head  of  the  large  metatarsal 
(cannon  of  hind  leg)  bone. 

The  spavin  is  really  the  outcome  of 
inflammation  attacking  the  covering  of 
the    bone     here    and    the    bone    itself. 


The  Aihnents  of  Horses.  79 

Xature  endeavours  to  repair  the  injury 
by  cementing  the  parts  together  with 
new  bony  material.  In  young  horses 
this  is  usually  completed,  but  in  old 
worn-out  animals  the  disease  exceeds  the 
reparative  attempt.  The  exciting  cause 
of  bone-spavin  is  concussion. 

How  is  one  to  detect  a  spavin  ? — Com- 
pare both  hocks  by  the  sense  of  touch. 
This  is  the  best  guide,  though  it  needs 
experience. 

Large  spavins  can  be  seen  at  a  glance. 

It  may  be  asked,  Is  a  spavined  horse  of 
little  value  ? — Certainly  not,  so  far  as 
utility  is  concerned,  unless  the  animal  be 
damaged  in  other  respects. 

Cart-horses  over  five  years,  with  good 
strong  hocks,  though  spavin  be  present, 
are  reckoned  by  some  as  good  as  an  animal 
without  the  malady. 

It  is  during  the  inflammatory  stage — 
i.  e.,  whilst  the  spavin  is  being  built  up — 
that  the  animal  goes  lame.  The  free 
flexion  of  the  hock,  in  horses  of  quick 
action,  is,  of  course,  necessarily  diminished. 

Treatment. — Eest  during  inflammatory 
process.  Cooling  applications  to  the 
inflamed  hock.  Dose  of  physic.  After- 
wards apply  a  good  blister. 

For  the  bony  deposit,  pyro-puncture  or 
thermo-cautery  is  the  best. 

Blistering  or  firing,  or  both,  and  then 
turning  out  to  grass,  are  common  practices. 

Occult  spavin  cannot  be  detected — 
unless  the  X-rays  can  do  it.  The  rays 
prove  an  admirable  means  of  detecting 
bony  deposits  of  the  horse,  and  perhaps 


80  The  Ailments  of  I^orses. 

may  be  the  means  of  settling  many  knotty 
arguments. 

Speedy  -  cutting.  —  A  speedy  -  cuttin  g 
horse  is  one  that  strikes  the  inner  side  of 
the  fore-leg  (usually  about  the  knee,  or 
below  this  and  the  fetlock)  with  the  shoe 
of  the  opposite  limb. 

Tunied-in  toes  and  high  action  are 
favourable  towards  speedy-cutting.  It  is 
a  dangerous  fault,  and  rightly  contitutes 
unsoundness. 

Treatment. — Rest;  cooling  lotion  to 
the  sore.  Keep  the  foot  narrow  on  the 
inner  side,  and  the  toe  short.  A  three- 
quarter  shoe  can  be  tried. 

A  speedy-cutting  gaiter  may  be  used. 

Various  patterns  are  made  for  the 
purpose. 

Splint. — -A  splint  is  a  variously  sized 
deposit  (or  deposits)  of  bony  material 
upon  the  back  of  the  cannon  bone,  and 
almost  always  affecting  the  fore  limbs. 

Horses  of  moderate  or  fast  pace  are 
those  usually  affected  ;  heavy  horses 
seldom. 

Strictly  speaking,  splint  constitutes 
unsoundness,  though  many  able  veteri- 
narians would  never  dream  of  rejecting  a 
horse  for  such,  provided  everything  else 
satisfied  them. 

The  deposit  of  bone  may  be  rough  or 
smooth  upon  its  surface.  A  "  simple  " 
splint  is  a  single  deposit  of  bone  ;  a 
"  compound "  when  a  number  of  bony 
deposits  are  present. 
.  A  splint  near  to  the  knee  or  upon  the 
outside  of  the  leg  should  always  be  con- 


The  Ailments  of  Horses.  81 

sidered  most  objectionable,  and  we  think 
that  no  veterinarian  would  (h-eain  of  ad- 
vising any  client  to  purchase  a  horse  thus 
affected. 

It  is  during  the  formation  of  the  splint 
(i.e.,  the  deposit  of  bone)  that  the  animal 
goes  lame. 

The  chief  cause  is  concussion,  though 
a  blow  in  this  region  is  liable  to  cause 
the  part  to  inflame  and  a  splint  re- 
sult. 

Splint  lameness  is  characterized  by 
the  increase  of  such  during  exercise, 
especially  if  the  horse  be  trotted  on  hard 
ground. 

If  the  splint  is  in  its  formative  stage 
there  will  be  increased  heat,  tenderness, 
and  pain  when  the  leg  is  manipulated  at 
the  back  of  and  between  the  knee  and 
fetlock  joints. 

Treatment. — During  the  inflammatory 
stage  rest  is  the  first  essential.  Cooling 
applications.  A  high-heeled  shoe  may 
be  put  on. 

The  daily  use  of  red  blistering  oint- 
ment will  be  found  of  some  service. 

Veterinary  surgeons  adopt  other  special 
forms  of  treatment  for  this  malady. 

Staggers,  grass. — This  is  a  peculiar 
form  of  disease  seen  at  a  particular 
season  of  the  year,  and  said  to  be 
brought  on  through  eating  rye  grass. 
Eemove  from  pasture  and  give  a  dose  of 
jjJiysic. 

The  complaint  is  indicated  by  a  stag- 
gering gait. 

Staggers,  stomach.     See  Indigestion, 


82  The  Ailments  of  Horses, 

Stomach,  inflammation  of.  —  Vege- 
table and  mineral  poisons  of  various  kinds 
are  capable  of  causing  inflammation  of 
the  stomach. 

According  to  the  nature  of  the  irritant 
so  must  the  treatment  be. 

The  symptoms  resemble  those  of  in- 
flammation of  the  bowels. 

Strangles. — This  is  chiefly  a  disease  of 
colthood  and  fillydom.  In  its  simple 
and  usual  form  it  is  denoted  by  the 
formation  of  an  abscess  beneath  the 
jaw. 

The  swelling  interferes  with  the  free 
inlet  and  outlet  of  air. 

Treatment. — Two  courses  are  open  to 
the  owner.  He  may  either  order  the 
swelling  to  be  fomented  or  poulticed 
with  hot  applications,  or  he  may  apply 
a  blister.  We  think  that  there  need  be 
little  hesitation  in  recommending  the 
latter. 

The  abscess,  when  ripe,  can  be  opened 
or  allowed  to  burst.  Then  keep  the  part 
open  for  a  few  days,  dressing  with  an 
antiseptic. 

Irregular  strangles  implies  that  the 
abscess  is  removed  from  its  usual  situa- 
tion. This  form  is  dangerous.  Abscesses 
often  form  in  connexion  with  vital 
organs. 

Stringhalt. — This  disease  is  denoted 
by  the  sudden  catching-up  of  the  limb. 
It  is  fairly  common  in  the  hind  limbs. 
Both  light  and  heavy  horses  suffer 
from  it. 

It  is  an  unsoundness.     Sometimes  the 


The  Ailments  of  Horses.  83 

leg  is  held  up  for  a  considerable  time, 
then  suddenly  dropped.  So  far  as  we 
know,  it  is  incurable. 


T 

Teeth,  diseases  of. — The  molar  teeth 
are  more  frequently  affected  than  the 
incisors.  The  grinding  surfaces  of  the 
former  are  commonly  the  seat  of  irre- 
gularities and  decay.  This  is  particularly 
the  case  with  old  or  aged  horses. 

General  symptoms  of  teeth  affec- 
tions.— Loss  of  condition  ;  quid  ding  of 
food  ;  or  the  presence  of  this  latter  in  the 
mouth  after  the  animal  has  finished  its 
provender. 

If  the  mouth  is  opened — which  can  be 
done  by  grasping  the  tongue  gently  with 
the  hand — irregularities  will  very  likely 
be  seen,  or  if  a  decayed  tooth  or  teeth 
be  present,  it  will  not  only  be  seen 
but  smelt  —  an  odour  not  readily  for- 
gotten. 

A  decayed  tooth  may  cause  a  discharge 
from  the  nostril  or  a  fistulous  opening 
may.  appear  on  the  side  of  the  jaw. 

Treatment. — Decayed  teeth,  or  a 
supernumerary  tooth,  may  require  re- 
moval, for  which  purpose  the  serv^ices  of 
a  veterinarian  are  indispensable.  Any 
irregularities  the  layman  can  rasp  off 
with  the  tooth-rasp,  keeping  the  mouth 
open  with  a  balling-iron  (gag). 

In  the  so-called  "  shearlike "  mouth, 
it  is  the  inner  edge  of  the  lower  and 
the  outer  edge  of  the  upper  molars  which 


84  TJte  Ailments  of  Horses. 

have  their  grinding  surfaces  worn  away  in 
a  very  oblique  direction.  Rasp  down  the 
irregularities. 

Polishing  of  the  grinding  surface  is  in- 
curable. Soft  food  is  about  the  best 
means  of  keeping  up  existence. 

Entangled  teeth — a  condition  occa- 
sionally found  during  shedding  of  the 
temporary  ones —  call  for  the  removal  of 
the  milk-tooth  at  the  seat  of  entangle- 
ment. 

Tendons,  sprained. — Below  the  knee 
and  hock  joints  the  muscles  above  end  in 
ribbonlike  bands,  known  as  "  flexor " 
and  "  extensor  "  tendons,  the  functions  of 
which  are  those  of  flexing  (bending)  and 
extending  (stretching  forward)  the  limbs. 
Now,  any  form  of  severe  exertion  neces- 
sitates extra  strain  being  put  upon  the 
muscles  to  which  these  tendons  are 
attached,  or  rather  from  which  they  come, 
consequently  the  belly  or  fleshy  part  of 
the  muscle,  contracting  too  powerfully, 
exercises  undue  tension  upon  the  delicate 
fibres  of  its  tendon,  provoking  in  these 
inflammation,  and  perhaps  rupture  of 
some  of  the  libres.  This  commonly 
happens  to  the  "  flexors." 

Symptoms. — If  the  injury  is  recent 
there  will  be  increased  heat,  swelling, 
resting  of  the  limb,  and  pain  upon 
manipulation. 

After  a  time  the  tendon  shortens,  and 
the  animal  knuckles  over. 

"  Breakdown  "  of  the  racehorse  is  due 
to  rupture  of  the  tendon  fibreSj  either  of 
one  or  both  limbs, 


The  Ailments  of  Horses.  85 

Treatment. — -In  the  early  stage  apply 
a  cooling  lotion,  such  as  the  following  :— 

R. — Nitrate  of  potash  ...  ...  2  ounces. 

Sal  ammoniac    ...         ...  ...  3  ounces. 

Common  salt      ...  ...  ...  1  ounce. 

Spirit  of  wine    ...         ...  ...  4  ounces. 

Vinegar  and  water,  each  ...  4  ounces. 
Mix,  and  make  lotion. 

Directions. — Make  several  folds  of  linen  and  soak 
it  in  the  lotion,  fastening  it  on  with  a  linen  Vjandage, 
over  which  a  flannel  one  must  be  put. 

The  lotion  must  be  applied  four  or  five  times 
every  day. 

If  this  treatment  does  no  good  in  about 

forty-eight  hours,  try  the  following  lotion 

instead  : — 

R. — Tincture  of  arnica       ...         ...     2  ounces. 

Warm  water      ..,         ...         ...     1  pint. 

Thisf  lotion  requires  the  application  of 
"  pressure  *'  at  the  same  time,  so  for  that 
purpose  we  must  make  some  even  rolls 
of  tow,  dip  them  in  the  liquid,  and  apply 
the  same  evenly  on  each  side  of  the 
sprained  tendon. 

Pad  any  depressions  after  the  linen 
bandage  is  on,  so  as  to  get  equable 
pressure  upon  the  sinew.  Xow  apply  a 
hot  dry  flannel  bandage.  This  must  be 
done  several  times  daily.  It  is  an  ex- 
cellent plan  to  rub  the  tendon  with  the 
thumb  and  finger  for  about  twenty 
minutes  twice  a  day. 

Supposing  that  the  tendon  is  perma- 
nently thickened — either  through  sprain 
or  rheumatism — then  there  is  nothing 
better  than  firing  or  blistering,  or  if  a 
young  and  useful  horse,  he  may  get  his 
veterinary  surgeon  to  perform  an  operation 
known  as  "  tenotomy  " — t  he  obj  ect  of  w^hich 

F 


86  Tlic  Ailments  of  Horses. 

is  that  of  allowiiio-  the  coiitraeted  tendon 
to  relax  through  division  of  it. 

Some  horses  will  work  very  fiiirly  upon 
soft  ground  if  the  shoes  are  made  with  a 
high  toe. 

Tendons,  contracted. — Contraction  of 
the  flexor  tendons  in  adult  horses  is 
usually  the  result  of  chronic  inflammation 
in  connexion  with  the  tendon,  either 
through  sprain  or  rheumatism. 

Foals  arc  not  uncommonly  born  with 
this  defect,  but  it  may  come  on  from 
birth  up  to  two  years.  Sometimes  the 
little  animal  is  rendered  a  complete 
cripple. 

It  is  probably  due  to  insufficient  length 
of  the  flexors ;  or  to  over-length  of  the 
cannon-bone.  Thoroughbred  foals  are 
frequently  affected. 

As  a  rule,  the  defect  is  obvious  at  a 
glance. 

Treatment. — Put  the  foal  on  its  back, 
and  then  place  the  knee  against  the 
fetlock-joint,  at  the  same  time  extend 
the  parts  below  this  by  means  of  the 
hands,  so  that  the  fetlock  is  brought  into 
an  oblique  position. 

Now  put  on  a  bandage  of  starch  or 
plaster  of  paris.  The  latter  bandage  must 
be  of  cotton,  about  one  and  a  half  inch 
in  width,  with  the  powdered  plaster  laid 
over  its  length  (one  side  only)  before 
rolling  it.  Having  done  this  soak  the 
rolled  bandage  in  cold  water  and  apply, 
taking  care  to  put  on  a  dry  bandage  next 
to  the  skin  before  doing  so.  Do  not  apply 
the  bandage  too  tightly,  otherwise   the 


The  Ailments  of  Horses,  87 

circulation  of  the  blood  in  the  foot  will 
be  impeded. 

Common  sense  is  the  best  guide  with 
regard  to  this.  If  the  operation  has  been 
successful  the  foal  will  begin  to  put  weight 
on  the  limb  or  limbs.  The  contracted 
tendons  in  adult  horses  are  often  removed 
by  the  operation  of  dividing  the  tendon 
or  tendons  (tenotomy),  but  if  both  hind 
and  fore  legs  are  gone  we  would  not 
recommend  any  one  to  have  it  done. 

Thrush  of  the  foot  or  feet. — This  is  a 
very  common  disease,  especially  where  the 
stables  and  feet  are  allowed  to  harbour 
filth.  The  seat  of  the  affection  is  within 
the  cleft  of  the  frog,  from  which  an  offen- 
sive but  characteristic  discharge  issues. 

The  smell  is  sufficient  to  diagnose 
"  thrush  of  the  foot." 

Decomposing  excreta  lodges  in  or  other- 
wise sets  up  inflammation  in  the  deeper 
parts  of  the  cleft,  resulting  in  infection, 
followed  by  suppuration,  i.  e.,  the  dis- 
charge of  pus.  Decomposition  of  the 
discharge  leads  to  the  abominable  thrush- 
like odour. 

The  hind  feet  are  necessarily  more 
frequently  affected  than  the  fore,  but  it 
is  common  enough  in  the  latter. 

As  a  rule,  it  is  safe  to  regard  it  as  a 
disease  resulting  from  neglect. 

Treatment. — 1 .  Preventative. — Clean- 
liness. 

2.  Medicinal. — -Put  the  foot  into  a 
bath  of  Jeye&'s  fluid  (one  part  to  forty 
parts  of  water),  in  order  to  cleanse  it 
thoroughly. 

F  2 


§8  The  Ailments  of  Horses, 

This  being  done,  dress  the  sore  with 
the  powder  as  follows — 

\k. — Calomel  ...         ...  ...  4  ounce. 

Powdered  iodoform  ...  ...  ^  ounce. 

Powdered  boracic  acid  ...  A  ounce 
Mix. 

Direct, lints.  —  Insert  some  of  the  powder  well  into 
the  depths  of  the  cleft,  and  the.i  put  a  pledget  of 
tow  in,  so  as  to  keep  the  part  dry. 

Do  this  twice  daily.  It  will  soon  cure 
it.  Don't  forget  that  'cleanliness  is 
essential  to  success,  so  that  you  must 
keep  the  feet  cleaner  and  the  stable 
likewise. 

Straw  bedding  is  preferable  to  any- 
thing else  while  thrush  is  present. 

Thrush  of  the  mouth. — Foals,  and 
less  frequently,  we  think,  adult  horses, 
are  occasionally  affected  with  inflam- 
mation of  the  membrane  lining  the 
mouth.  In  the  former  it  is  common 
when  still  sucking. 

It  would  appear  to  be  due  to  deranged 
digestion,  but  some  authorities  think  that 
it  is  the  result  of  a  parasite.  For  the 
present  purpose  it  makes  little  difference 
which  of  these  views  is  the  correct  one. 

Symptoms. — The  foal  will  be  seen  to 
have  some  difficulty  in  sucking,  which 
leads  us  to  examine  the  mouth.  We 
then  find  reddened  patches  on  the  cheeks 
and  roof  of  the  latter,  with,  perhaps, 
small  blisters,  or  collections  of  grey 
material,  the  handling  of  which  gives  the 
hand  a  nasty  smell. 

In  adult  horses,  blisters  are  seen  upon 
the  tongue,  inside  the  cheeks,  roof  of  the 
mouth,    &c.     These    burst   and   leave   a 


The  Ailments  of  Horses.  ^9 

nasty  raw-looking  surface,  the  marks 
varying  in  size. 

Sometimes  blister  fuses  with  blister, 
producing  large  sores. 

Treatment.  —  Borax  and  honey  is 
suitable  for  the  foal. 

Smear  a  teaspoonful  inside  the  mouth 
three  or  four  times  daily. 

Grive  the  mother  half  an  ounce  of 
bicarbonate  of  soda  in  her  food  or  drink- 
ing-water twice  daily,  while  the  foal  may 
have  the  following  powder  placed  U})on 
its  tongue  daily — 

R. — Grey  powder  40  grains. 

Bicarbonate  of  potasn         ...     4  drachms. 
Mix,   and   divide    into    four   powders.      Give  as 
directed  above. 

For  adult  animals,  add  two  drachms 
each  of  chloride  of  ammonia,  carbonate  of 
soda,  and  hyposulphite  of  soda  to  the 
animal's  drinking-water  night  and  morn- 
ing. Wash  or  gargle  the  mouth  with  a  solu- 
tion of  common  salt  and  tepid  water  twice 
daily.    Continue  this  treatment  until  well. 

General  management. —  Soft  food. 
Keep  clean  stable.  Fresh  water.  A 
little  green  food  if  possible  ;  failing  this, 
a  few  tablespoonfuls  of  linseed  oil  to  a 
bran-mash  twice  daily. 

Thorough-pin. — By  this  term  we  mean 
a  swelling,  or  distension,  at  the  u})per  and 
back  part  of  the  hock. 

As  the  swelling  can  be  made  to  appear 
at  either  side  of  the  hock,  pushed  through 
as  it  were,  it  has  in  this  way  come  to  get 
its  present  name,  derived  from  "through- 
pin." 


90  The  Aihnents  of  Horses. 

Young  horses  with  upright  hocks  are 
said  to  be  particularly  liable,  but  it  is  not 
at  all  uu common  in  adult  animals. 

It  is  the  capsular  ligament  of  the 
hock  joint  proper  (tibia  and  astragalus) 
which  becomes  distended  with  fluid. 

Signs. — A  swelling  at  the  back  and 
up})er  part  of  the  hock,  capable  of  being 
pushed  from  side  to  side,  and  without 
lameness  or  inflammation.  It  is  only  in  ex- 
ceptional cases  that  the  former  is  present. 

Treatment. — Paint  the  swelling  daily 
with  tincture  of  iodine,  though  it  is 
doubtful  whether  it  will  cure. 

Pressure  is  as  good  as  aught  else.  Fill 
the  hollow  of  the  hock  with  pads  of  tow 
and  put  on  an  elastic  bandage.  Some- 
times a  thorough-})in  truss  is  used. 
Puncturing  the  swelling  has  been  tried, 
but  is  no  good  without  it  is  repeated 
several  times,  at  intervals  of  about  six  or 
eight  weeks. 

The  cavity  is  washed  out  with  iodine 
after  the  operation. 

Toe,  bleeding  from,  in  disease. — 
Bleeding  from  the  toe  is  certainly  a  very 
ancient  practice  ;  but  whether  it  has  been 
attended  with  the  benefits  accorded  to  it 
by  some,  we  are  rather  sceptical. 

Its  use  has  been  largely  advocated  by 
old  writers  —and  some  present  ones  as 
w*ell^ — for  the  treatment  of  inflammation 
in  the  feet  (founder  here). 

The  horn  is  pared  away  at  the  toe  until 
blood  flows  out.  This  is  encouraged  by 
soaking;  the  foot  in  warm  water  for  a  few 
minutes. 


The  Ailments  of  Horses.  91 

Tracheotomy. — This  is  an  operation 
performed  upon  the  windpipe  (trachea), 
for  the  relief  of  difficult  breathing  or 
threatened  suffocation.  A  small  tube  is 
inserted.  ■ 

Inveterate  roarers  often  wear  a  tube 
throughout  their  livTs,  carrying  on  breath- 
ing (quietly)  through  the  artificial  opening 
thus  produced. 

Again  in  strangles,  sore  throat,  or  any 
sweUing  threatening  to  bring  on  suffoca- 
tion, opening  the  windpipe  becomes  a 
necessity.  In  this  way,  the  "  tide  of 
danger  "  may  ebb  away. 

Tuberculosis,  or  consumption. — Like 
man  and  many  other  animals,  the  horse 
is  liable  to  suffer  from  consumption, 
though  we  think  much  less  frequently 
than  the  ox. 

It  is  a  germ  disease,  being  caused  by 
the  bacillus  tuberculosis  (Koch's  bacillus). 
It  can  be  produced  in  the  horse  by  in- 
jecting the  cultured  germs  beneath  the 
skin. 

The  germs  are  of  very  minute  size, 
and  contain  in  their  interior  little  bright 
spots.  These  are  surmised  to  be  spores. 
The  spleen  (melt)  appears  to  participate 
largely  in  this  disease  as  it  appears  in 
the  horse,  producing  in  this  situation 
tubercles  or  nodules  containing  the 
germs,  upon  the  finding  of  which  the 
diagnosis  of  the  disease  must  rest. 

Progressive  emaciation  is  the  most 
important  symptom  to  the  layman. 

"  Tuberculin,"  injected  beneath  the 
skin  by  means  of  a  fine  syringe,  is  another, 


92  Tlie  Ailments  of  Horses. 

but  recent,  means  of  diagnosing  the 
disease. 

Treatment.— This  can  be  but  palliative. 

If  the  animal  is  of  no  special  value, 
destruction  is  as  economical  as  any  plan 
we  know  of. 

Tumours. — The  word  "  tumour  "  can  be 
employed  to  indicate  any  form  of  swelling, 
no  matter  whether  such  be  hard  or  soft, 
situated  either  internally  or  externally. 

Tumours,  be  they  hard  or  soft,  when 
situated  in  connexion  with,  or  in  juxta- 
position to,  vital  parts,  usually  cause 
death,  either  in  virtue  of  the  pressure 
which  they  exert,  or  through  the  subse- 
quent inflammation  which  they  induce 
by  reason  of  their  rupture  and  acrid  dis- 
charge. 

Solid  tumours  situated  externally,  e.fj.^ 
capped-elbow,  are  usually  amenable  to 
surgical  treatment.  In  most  instances 
their  removal  is  called  for,  either  by 
ligature — i.e.,  tying  a  string  around  their 
base — or  by  the  knife. 

In  the  former  case,  there  is  less  bleed- 
ing, and  it  is  one  which  commends  itself 
as  being  the  most  suitable  for  the  layman 
to  adopt.  The  only  additional  treatment 
comprises  keeping  the  wound  sweet  with 
creolin  or  .leyes's  lotion  (two  drachms  to 
a  pint  of  water),  and  protecting  the  part 
from  further  injury. 

Warts  and  angle-berries  can  be  removed 
by  the  same  method. 

Polypi  —  i.  e.,  pendulous  tumours  — ■ 
within  the  anus  or  vagina  are  readily 
done  away  with  by  the  application  of  a 


The'Ailments  of  Horses.  93 

piece  of  catgut  tied  tightly  around  the 
base  of  the  polypus.  The  nostrils  are 
occasionally  the  seat  of  these  morbid 
growths.  Sometimes  they  are  composed 
of  bone,  though  this  is  uncommon — in 
fact,  it  is  incorrect  to  apply  the  term 
"  polypus  "  to  a  growth  of  this  description. 

Malignant  tumours  are  such  as  have  a 
tendency  to  return  after  being  excised. 
Under  these  circumstances,  the  excision 
of  the  tumour  demands  giving  it  a  wide 
berth. 

Abscesses  must,  when  ripe,  be  opened. 
If  preferred,  an  abscess  may  be  allowed  to 
rupture.     It  is  better  to  open  it. 

U 

Urine,  incontinence  of. — By  this  we 
mean  inability  to  retain  the  urine  within 
the  bladder,  either  through  paralysis  of 
the  latter,  disease  of  its  walls,  or  irrita- 
bility of  its  lining  membrane. 

Foals  commonly  are  found  to  be  pass- 
ing urine  through  their  navel  opening. 
This  is  caused  through  a  tube  leading 
from  the  bladder  not  having  become 
closed  (which  it  ought  to  do  before  birth), 
in  this  way  allowing  the  escape  of  the  urine. 

Treatment. — ^P^or  the  incontinence  of 
adult  animals,  we  must  try  and  get  to 
the  root  of  the  cause,  then  treat  in 
accordance  with  this. 

A  ball  composed  of  half  a  drachm 
of  powdered  nux  vomica  and  4  drachms  of 
j)Owdered  gentian,  with  2  drachms  of 
linseed  meal  and  treacle,  given  twice 
daily,  will  be  found  useful. 


94  The  Aihnents  of  Ilarses. 

In  the  case  of  foals,  the  best  plan  is  to 
throw  the  little  creature,  touch  the  open 
vessel  with  a  bit  of  red-hot  wire,  and  then 
blister  around  the  navel  with  a  little 
cantharides  ointment.  Tliis  will  usually 
effect  a  complete  cure  in  a  few  days. 

Urine,  stoppage  of.  —  Inability  to 
urinate  does  not  necessarily  imply  that 
the  secretion  of  urine  by  the  kidneys  has 
been  "  suppressed." 

Stone  within  the  tubes  leading  from 
the  kidneys  to  the  bladder,  within  this 
latter,  or  tube  leading  out  from  it,  may 
offer  mechanical  impediments  to  the  out- 
flow of  the  liquid. 

Again,  during  such  diseases  as  paralysis, 
colic,  stranguary,  &c.,  the  animal  is  com- 
monly unable  to  pass  any  urine,  either 
through  participation  of  the  bladder  in 
the  disease,  or  owing  to  the  horse  being 
unable  to  place  himself  in  position  for 
urinating. 

Treatment.  —  Try  and  find  out  the 
cause. 

Suppressed  secretion  cannot  last  very 
long,  the  animal  being  liable  to  die  from 
urine  poisoning  (see  Kidneys,  inflamed). 
Try  and  pass  the  catheter  ;  if  a  male,  a 
longer  instrument  is  necessary. 

The  penis  is  withdrawn  from  its  sheath 
with  the  left  hand,  the  catheter  cleansed 
in  creolin  lotion  (two  drachms  to  a  quart 
of  water)  and  then  smeared  with  bella- 
donna ointment.  It  is  now  introduced 
into  the  passage  and  allowed  to  glide 
slowly  along  until  it  reaches  the  bend  of 
the  pelvis.     Here  an  assistant  guides  it 


The  Ailments  of  Horses.  95 

round  with  his  hand,  after  which  it  will 
be  found  to  go  into  the  bladder  without 
further  obstruction.  Xo  force  must  be 
employed.  If  there  is  a  stricture  in  the 
lower  part  of  the  passage  (urethra)  the 
2^assing  of  the  catheter  will,  likely  enough, 
do  away  with  it,  and  so  allow  the  flow  of 
urine. 

Stoppage  of  urinary  secretion  really 
demands  immediate  professional  advice. 

Urine,  blood  contained  in. — The  ex- 
pulsion of  blood  along  with,  before,  or 
after  urination  is  a  matter  of  grave 
importance  in  many  instances,  but,  as  a 
rule,  less  so  in  the  mare,  knowing  it  is 
not  unlikely  to  have  come  from  the 
reproductive  organs. 

It  may  be  passed  as  bright  red  fluid 
blood,  in  the  form  of  a  clot,  or  in  a  state 
of  solution.  This  latter  is  characteristic 
of  a  disease  known  as  "  azoturia,"  in  which 
affection  the  urine  assumes  the  colour  of 
coffee  minus  the  milk. 

When  the  blood  comes  from  the  kidney 
it  will  likely  succeed  the  act  of  urination, 
but  pi^ececle  it  if  from  the  tube  leading 
the  liquid  from  the  bladder. 

Causes. — Injuries  to  the  loins  ;  stone 
in  the  passage  ;  disease  of  the  generative 
organs  ;  disturbance  of  digestion,  as  in 
"  azoturia." 

Treatment. — When  no    cause   can  be 

ascertained,  give  the  following  ball  night 

and  morning : — 

R. — Acetate  of  lead       40  grains. 

Powdered  nux  vomica       ...  30  grains. 
Extract  of  gentian...         ...     2  drachnos. 

Linseed  meal  and  treacle...     A  sufficiency  to 

form  a  ball. 


96  Tlie  Ailfrbeotts  of  Horses. 

V 

Veins,  inflamed. — Either  of  the  large 
veins  in  the  neck  are  particularly  liable 
to  become  inflamed,  chiefly  through  the 
usage  of  a  rusty  or  dirty  fleam  during 
the  operation  of  bleeding.  Bleeding 
several  times  from  the  same  opening  is 
another  cause.     Never  do  this. 

Symptoms. — The  lips  of  the  wound  in 
the  vein  look  thick,  red,  and  angry.  There 
may  be  swelling  around  ;  sometimes  ab- 
scesses form. 

Treatment. — If  there  are  any  abscesses, 
these  must  be  fomented  with  warm  water 
and  then  opened  with  a  clean  but  sharp 
penknife  or  lancet. 

Having  done  this,  wash  all  around  the 
wound  with  warm  water,  and  then  apply 
some  fly-blister  along  the  course  of  the 
swollen  vein.  Eub  it  in  for  about  ten 
minutes. 

Now  fasten  the  head  on  the  pillar-reins 
for  twenty-four  hours  ;  at  the  end  of  this 
time  a  little  vaseline  can  be  smeared  on 
the  blistered  part. 

G^ive  green  food  or  a  laxative  ball. 

Vertigo.     See  Megrims. 

W 

Warbles.     See  Saddle-galls. 

Warts,  removal  of. — These  are  thick- 
enings of  the  horny  covering  (epithelium) 
of  the  skin.  They  may  be  "  simple  "  or 
"  compound."  In  the  latter  instance,  a 
number  of  warty  growths  spring  from  one 
root-stock,  as  it  were. 

Their  removal  is  best  efifected  by  tying 


The  Ailm ents  of  Horses .  9 7 

a  piece  of  catgut  around  the  base  of  the 
growth,  allowing  it  to  slough  (die)  away. 
There  is  no  danger  attached  to  this 
method.  If  very  small,  try  painting 
them  with  strong  nitre  or  acetic  acid 
every  third  day. 

When  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the 
eyelids,  acids  must  not  be  used.  Lunar- 
caustic  can  be  applied  instead. 

Another  excellent  remedy  for  the 
removal  of  warts  is  a  lotion  composed 
of  100  grains  of  chromic  acid,  added  to 
an  ounce  of  water,  and  painted  on  daily. 

Weaving. — ^This  is  an  acquired  habit. 
The  animal  appears  to  be  constantly 
shifting  its  head  from  side  to  side 
(weaving  it).  It  seems  to  depend  upon 
nervousness,  because  by  carefully  observing 
the  horse,  unknown  to  it,  it  will  be  seen 
to  hav'e  ceased  the  movement. 

Weed.     See  Lymphangitis. 

Whistling.     See  Roaring. 

Wind,  broken. — This  disease  is  some- 
what frequent  amongst  horses,  especially 
those  used  for  heavy  draught,  though  it 
may  occur  irrespective  of  breed,  age, 
sex,  &c. 

Although  the  symptoms  are  mainly 
those  of  a  respiratory  affection,  the  disease 
is  intimately  associated  with  perverted  or 
deranged  digestive  functions. 

We  believe  that  broken-wind  results 
from  changes  in  connexion  with  the 
principal  nerve  governing  the  stomach 
and  lungs. 

Causes. — ^Feeding  on  dusty  hay  or 
fodder;   driving  immediately  after  feed- 


98  The  Ailments  of  Horses, 

ing  ;  or  through  the  constant  use  of  bulky 
food.  Never  drive  a  horse  just  after 
feeding  it,  unless  you  wish  it  to  become 
broken-winded.  Grreedy  feeders  are  rather 
prone  to  suffer. 

Symptoms. — There  is  a  hollow,  dry, 
short  cough.  Once  this  is  heard,  it  is  not 
easily  forgotten.  After  feeding  or  drinking 
the  cough  can  generally  be  provoked. 

The  breathing  is  characteristic. 

"  Inspiration "  (taking  in  of  air)  is 
shorter  than  in  health  ;  but  "  expiration  " 
is  double  (double-lift).  In  the  first  part 
of  the  act  the  air  is  forced  out  quickly, 
but  very  slowly  during  the  second  part. 
Wind-sucking,  and  other  minor  symptoms 
of  disordered  digestion,  are  commonly 
present. 

Broken-wind  is,  of  course,  an  unsound- 
ness in  every  sense  of  the  word. 

Treatment.  —  1 .  Preventative. — Feed 
carefully.  Don't  work  immediately  after 
food  has  been  given. 

2.  Medicinal. — Grive  soft  food,  and 
regulate  the  bowels  with  occasional  small 
doses  of  linseed  oil. 

Half-ounce  doses  of  Fowler's  solution 
of  arsenic,  given  in  the  drinking-water 
daily  or  twice  daily,  will  help  to  ward  off 
the  unpleasant  symptoms. 

A  vessel  containing  tar  at  the  bottom 
should  be  always  used  for  the  animal  to 
take  its  drinking-water  from. 

This  latter  is  very  good  for  the  purpose. 

Wind-sucking.  -Like  weaving,  wind- 
sucking  is  an  objectionable  practice,  and 
constitutes  unsoundness. 


The  Ailments,  of  Horses.         .  99 

A  wind-siieking  horse  gathers  air  in  his 
mouth,  swallowini;-  it  with  a  gulping  sound. 
Irregular  or  insuthcient  feeding  is,  we 
believe,  a  cause. 

Wind-suekers  are  predisposed  to  colic 
and  other  digestive  disorders,  likewise  to 
broken -wind. 

Treatment. — Feed  reoularly. 

To  tlie  drinking-water  add  a  couple  of 
teaspoonfuls  of  l^icarbonate  of  potash 
daily  or  twice  daily. 

Wind,  thick.^ — Under  the  heading  of 
this  title  we  refer  to  a  condition  in  which 
the  breathing  has  become  somewhat 
altered  in  its  character,  giving  rjse  to 
coarse  sounds,  particularly  during  severe 
exertion. 

Although  coarseness  of  the  breathing 
may  be  but  of  a  temporary  nature,  w^e 
think  that  the  term  "thick-wind"  is 
mostly  limited  to  a  chronic  or  permanent 
affection,  such  as  chronic  bronchitis,  in 
which  the  inflammation  has  produced 
structural  changes  in  the  walls  of  the  air 
tubes,  either  large,  medium-sized,  or. 
small. 

The  treatment  must  be  directed  towards 
the  disease  upon  which  the  abnormal 
sound  depends. 

Wind-galls. — The  so-called  "  wind- 
gall  "  is  a  puffy  swelling,  usually  appear- 
ing at  the  fetlock  joint. 

In  reality  it  is  uQt  a  wind  (air)  swell- 
ing at  all,  its  contents  being  of  a  liquid 
or  granular  nature. 

Either  the  fore  or  hind  fetlocks  may 
be  affected. 


100         The  Ailments  of  Horses. 

Tlie  exciting  cause  seems  to  be  hard 
work. 

Treatment. — Irrigation  with  cold  water 
for  a  quarter  of  an  hour  each  day,  followed 
by  a  good  rubbing  with  iodine  ointment. 

Firing  produces  the  best  results. 

Withers,  fistulous. — It  is  not  at  all 
uncommon  to  find  the  horse  suffering 
from  fistulous  sores  upon  the  withers,  and 
we  must  confess  that,  once  the  disease 
becomes  thoroughly  established,  it  is 
usually  extremely  difficult  to  cure. 

This  show^s  the  importance  of  taking 
steps  to  check  the  complaint  at  the  very 
outset. 

Some  horses  are,  through  defective 
conformation  of  their  withers,  predisposed 
to  suffer. 

Commonly  an  ill-fitting  saddle  is  the 
''  exciting ''  cause,  but  a  blow  will  cause 
it.  It  is  not  necessarily  confined  to 
saddle-horses,  though  they  may  suffer 
more  often  than  others. 

At  the  beginning  the  disease  appears 
to  be  a  mere  bruising  and  inflammation 
of  the  tissues  beneath  the  skin  of  the 
withers  and  lubricating  pocket  (bursa), 
on  the  upper  surface  of  the  lower  bones 
of  the  neck,  producing  a  form  of  abscess 
(serous  abscess)  containing  a  watery 
fluid. 

It  is  the  bursting  (or  opening)  and 
subsequent  infection  of  this  which  leads 
up  to  the  formation  of  a  running  (sup- 
purating) sore  or  sores. 

Treatment. — The  swelling  requires 
opening,  but  care  is  necessary  in  order  to 


The  Ailments  of  Horses.         101 

avoid  infecting  the  part.  Before  cutting 
it  open,  wash  the  lancet  in  a  strong 
solution  of  carbolic  acid,  Jeyes's  fluid, 
creolin,  Szc.  Clip  the  hair  off  around  the 
sore,  and  then  wash  the  skin  in  this 
region  (over  the  sore  as  well)  with  the 
same  antiseptic  solution.  After  cutting 
the  abscess  open — which  should  be  done 
at  the  lowest  point  of  the  swelling,  so  as 
to  favour  the  free  escape  of  its  contents — 
wash  the  cavity  out  with  a  solution  of 
corrosive  sublimate  and  compound  tinc- 
ture of  iodine,  employing  a  glass  syringe 
for  this  purpose.  Three  grains  of  corro- 
sive sublimate  may  be  added  to  every 
pint  of  water,  along  with  a  drachm  of 
dilute  hydrochloric  acid  and  an  ounce  of 
tincture  of  iodine. 

_  If  fistulse  have  already  formed,  then 
the  services  of  a  qualified  practitioner 
are  necessary.  Setoning  is  useless  so  far 
as  curing  the  disease  is  concerned. 

The  burrowing  of  matter,  and  perhaps 
disease  of  subjacent  bony  tissue,  neces- 
sitates surgical  interference. 

Womb,  inflammation  of. — This  is  a 
very  serious  complaint,  and  one  in  which 
no  time  should  be  lost  in  seeking  the 
most  skilled  advice  obtainable. 

It  not  unfrequently  follows  labour, 
either  as  the  result  of  direct  injury  to 
the  womb  through  surgical  interference, 
or  through  a  decomposing  (putrefying) 
"after-birth"  (placenta)  being  retained 
too  lono-.  This  is  })articularly  liable  to 
happen  durino-  warm  weather. 

^ever   allow   the   "  cleansing "  to   re- 
ft 


102         The  Ailments  of  Norses. 

main  longer  than  twelve  or  twenty-four 
hours  in  a  mare,  otherwise  it  may  cost 
her  her  life. 

It  requires  careful  separation  from  the 
wall  of  the  womb. 

After  removal  of  the  cleansing  the  womb 
ought  to  be  washed  out  with  a  solution 
of  corrosive  sublimate,  ten  grains  to  a 
quart  of  tepid  w^ater. 
"  Internally,  a  pint  of  linseed  oil  may  be 
given,  to  which  a  couple  of  ounces  of 
chloric  ether  has  been  added. 

General  management. — Grreen  food 
night  and  morning. 

Bran  and  scalded  oats. 

Half  an  ounce  of  chlorate  of  potash  in 
the  animal's  drinking-water  twice  daily 
before  food. 

Strict  attention  to  surrounding  clean- 
liness. 

Freely  use  Jeyes's  fluid  in  solution,  or 
carbolic  acid  in  the  same  manner. 

Clean  l>edding.  Never  allow  food  to  lie 
about  after  a  meal.     Clothe  the  body. 

Watch  carefully  for  unfavourable  symp- 
toms—  denoted  by  patchy  sweating  on 
the  body,  a  rusty,  mucilaginous  discharge 
from  the  vulva,  pain  in  the  belly,  and 
blood  or  dark  spots  upon  the  mucous 
membrane  lining  the  eyelids  (conjunctival 
membrane). 

Worms. — Three  distinct  forms  of  in- 
ternal parasites  are  found  infesting  the 
horse  and  ass.     These  are — 

(1)  The  flat  or  fluke-like  worms  (tre- 
matodes),  uncommon  in  this  animal, 
found  now  and  again  in  the  bile  passage. 


The  Ailments  of  Horses.         103 

(2)  Round  worms  (nsematodes). 

(3)  Tape-like  worms  (cestodes). 

Both  the  latter  are  very  commonly 
fomid  in  the  intestines  both  large  and 
small. 

There  is  also  an  "  encysted  "  form  of 
parasite  occasionally  found  in  the  liver,  &c. 

ROUXD   WORMS. 

Amoup-st  these  there  is  the  so-called 
"pin"  worms,  found  within  the  rectum. 
The  irritation  produced  by  these  parasites 
often  causes  violent  kicking. 

To  dislodge  the  parasites  give  an  in- 
jection of  turpentine,  warm  water,  and 
salt.  About  half  a  teacupful  of  turpen- 
tine and  a  couple  of  handfuls  of  salt, 
added  to  three  quarts  of  water,  will 
answer  the  purpose. 

The  four-spined  strongyle  (Stroyigylus 
tetracanthus)  is  not  uncommon,  especially 
amongst  colts  in  the  fen  lands.  It  is  a 
true  blood-sucking  worm,  causing  loss  of 
flesh,  pain  in  the  l">elly,  diarrhoea,  and 
gradual  wasting  of  energy.  At  one  period 
of  its  life-history  it  is  coiled  up  in  the 
wall  of  the  gut,  and  can  be  seen  shining 
through  when  a  portion  of  the  latter  is 
exposed  to  the  light. 

It  is  not  an  uncommon  cause  of  in- 
flammation of  the  bowels.  Other  worms 
may  be  present  along  with  these.  It  is 
bright  red  in  colour,  and  in  this  way  easily 
distinguished  from  the  other  varieties. 

It  sometimes  causes  perforation  of  the 
gut  wall. 

Treatment. — Change  from  pasture  to 


104         The  Ailments  of  Hm^ses, 

a  warm  and  clean  stable.  Allow  pure 
water.  Give  the  best  of  food,  though  in 
small  ({uantities.  A  tonic  treatment  must 
be  carried  out.  G-iv^e  half  an  ounce  of 
powdered  oentian  and  two  drachms  of 
powdered  sulphate  of  iron,  mixed  together 
in  the  food  night  and  morning. 

Add  linseed  to  the  food. 

Bran,  scalded  oats  and  carrots  (boiled), 
are  as  suitable  as  aught  else  in  this  way. 
Serious  losses  often  occur  through  these 
parasites. 

If  pain  and  diarrhoea  are  present  then 
give  half  an  ounce  of  chlorodyne  night 
and  morning  along  with  a  pint  of  wheaten 
gruel. 

Burn  the  excrement  and  avoid  pas- 
turing animals  where  the  colts  have  been 
grazing. 

A  very  common  —  indeed  the  com- 
monest— large  round  worm  of  the  horse 
is  Ascaris  raegalocepJuda,  chiefly  locating 
itself  in  the  small  bowel,  though  not 
necessarily  so.  It  is  a  spindle-shaped 
worm  with  transverse  stripes  of  the  same 
colour  (cream).     The  sexes  are  distinct. 

Treatment. — Each  evenino-  oive  one 
of  the  following  powders  : — 

R. — Santonin         ...         ...         ...     6  drachms. 

Powdered  quassia      ...         ...     3  ounces. 

Mix,  and  divide  into  six  powders. 

Directions. — Give  one  powder  about  six  o'clock, 
before  feeding,  and  then  three  hours  afterwards  a 
bran  mash. 

The  powder  must  be  mixed  with  a  small 
bran  mash,  and  four  tablespoonfuls  of 
linseed  oil  can  be  added  as  well. 


The  Ailments  of  Horses,         lOo 

^law  worms  are  pretty  common  in  the 
stomach.  They  don't  seem  to  do  much 
harm.  Again,  thread  worms  (Jilaria) 
are  now  and  again  found  in  the  eyeball 
and  its  coverings.  Others  are  found  be- 
tween the  eyelids  and  eyeball.  For  the 
removal  of  the  former  "  puncturing  "  is 
recommended. 

TAPE   "WORMS. 

Several  of  these  are  very  common  in 
the  horse.  Tce/iia  plicata  is  often  three 
feet  in  length,  whilst  Tcenia  perfoliata 
averages  two  inches  or  thereabouts. 

The  first  is  found  in  the  small  bowel, 
and  the  second  within  the  large. 

Treatment.  —  Turpentine,  given  in 
doses  from  one  to  two  ounces  along  with 
a  pint  of  linseed  oil,  is  a  good  enough 
remedy.  A  dose  of  aloes  should  be 
given  afterwards.  It  can  be  repeated  in 
twenty-four  hours.  Repeat  in  a  few 
days'  time. 

Wounds. — -These  are  commonly  spoken 
of  as  solutions  of  continuity,  and  in  ac- 
cordance with  their  nature  are  usually 
known  as — Incised  (clean  cut),  punctured 
(stabbed),  lacerated  (torn),  poisoned,  gun- 
shot, &c. 

The  region  of  the  injury  is  an  im- 
portant matter. 

Wounds  in'  the  neighbourhood  of  the 
chest  and  belly  are  specially  liable  to  be 
followed  by  serious  consequences. 

A  large  wound  is  not  necessarily  a  sign 
of  its  gravity.  Trivial  wounds  in  the 
region  of  the  feet  are   often   fatal,  less 


lOG         The  Ailments  of  Horses. 

frequently  those  about  the  mouth.  ^luch 
depends  upon  circumstances.  Wounds 
may  be  either  accidentally  or  artificially 
inflicted. 

When  a  bone  is  fractured,  in  addition 
to  the  wound,  the  oravity  of  the  injury 
is  proportionately  increased.  The  same 
may  be  said  when  an  artery  is  wounded. 
Depreciation  of  value  usually  results  from 
an  injury  to  the  knee  (wrist  in  man), 
usually  spoken  of  as  "  broken-knee." 

Treatment.  —  Superficial  wounds  can 
be  painted  with  a  solution  of  gutta-percha 
or  else  friar's  balsam. 

Slioht  injuries  to  the  knee  can  be  treated 
in  the  same  manner.  When  the  wound 
is  about  the  eyelids,  nose,  cheek,  &c.,  it 
ought  to  be  carefully  stitched  up. 

A  curved  needle  is  the  most  suitable 
for  this  purpose,  and  it  should  be  threaded 
with  silver  wire  or  cat-gut,  &c. 

The  stitches  must  be  taken  separately, 
i.e.,  interrupted.  If  wire  is  used  it  should 
be  thin,  especially  if  the  injury  is  upon 
the  eyelids.  Further,  the  stitches  must 
not  be  draAvn  too  tightly  together,  but  a 
sufficient  "  grip  "  must  be  taken.  In  this 
way  a  wound  can,  if  neatly  sewn  up,  often 
be  got  to  heal  straight  away.  Never  sew 
up  a  wound  upon  the  surface  of  a  joint, 
e.g.^knee  or  hock.  The  stitches  are  almost 
certain  to  be  torn  out  when  the  animal 
flexes  or  extends  the  same. 

Deep  wounds  upon  the  buttocks,  &c., 
require  button  sutures,  i.e.,  flat  pieces  of 
metal  (notched)  to  fix  the  threads  to,  so 
that  the  tension  is  exercised  upon  the 


The  Ailments  of  Horses,         107 

button,  thereby  preventino-  the  suture 
from  being  torn  out  of  its  place. 

Contusions,  i.e.^  bruisinf,'  beneath  the 
skin,  demand  coolino-  applications  at  the 
outset.  A  fuller's  earth  poultice  can  be 
tried. 

When  there  is  a  broken  bone  in  addi- 
tion to  the  wound  the  latter  ought  to  be 
left  uncovered  with  the  splint  bandage. 
It  should  be  dressed  with  iodoform  pow- 
der and  then  covered  up  with  gauze,  gutta- 
percha, or  tissue,  and  a  bandage  over  all. 
Dress  the  wound  daily. 

Punctures  of  the  feet  demand  the  im- 
mediate removal  of  the  shoe ;  the  foot  (sole) 
pared  so  that  the  injury  is  "  bottomed," 
and,  if  festered,  to  allow  the  free  drainage 
of  matter.  If  this  be  not  done  a 
"  quittor '"  (fistula  of  the  coronet)  com- 
monly results.  Having  done  this,  put  on 
a  good  hot  poultice,  give  a  mild  dose  of 
physic,  and  allow  the  horse  a  few  days' 
rest.     Then  shoe  with  a  leather  sole. 

Many  veterinary  surgeons  now  use  a 
substance  termed  "  anti-tetanin."  This 
they  inject  under  the  skin.  It  is  regarded 
as  a  preventative  against  lock-jaw 
(tetanus),  hence  the  name.  It  corre- 
sponds to  the  anti-toxin,  now  used  in  the 
treatment  of  diphtheria  in  the  human 
subJ3ct. 


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